Donald Trump has been inaugurated for a second term as President, and the “blitzkrieg” of orders, insults and rhetoric has already begun. Stacey Abrams speaks to Melissa Murray, host of Crooked’s legal podcast Strict Scrutiny and constitutional law professor at NYU, about how much Trump can actually do unilaterally and why his actions–like his order about TikTok–threaten the balance of power between the branches of government. They look at the true impact of using shock and chaos to govern–like his order about renaming Denali–and why we should be concerned about the new “broligarchy” that stood behind Trump at his inauguration. Stacey and Melissa explain the executive orders that run afoul of the 14th Amendment, like the end to birthright citizenship and new government policy on gender, and together, they showcase ways that we can continue to understand what’s coming so we can effectively speak out. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More:Listen to Crooked’s Strict ScrutinySign up for Sherrilyn Ifill’s SubstackGet involved with local and state organizations working on an issue you care aboutCheck in with friends and family


Another week, another Trump admin scheme to cripple the government—this time by targeting the very workers who keep it running, from food inspectors to mail carriers to those serving in our military. On today’s episode, Stacey breaks down Trump’s mass firing of probationary government employees and how these layoffs could soon ripple across entire sectors. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, joins to break down who’s being affected and why the blunt force tool Republicans are using in the name of efficiency, will backfire. Stacey and Liz talk about why unions matter more than ever in a shaky labor market and how we all need to stand up for workforce protections.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Learn &amp; Do More: If you have the time, read about labor history. One of Stacey’s favorites is: Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor by Steven Greenhouse. You can also watch a classic film on labor like Norma Rae starring Sally Field.The reason unions exist is to advocate for workers and give them collective power. So if you’re aware of mistreatment at a workplace or people being taken advantage of, maybe it’s time to become an organizer—or simply help someone advocate for themselves. There is power in speaking up and helping others find support. To learn how to better lift up your voice, check out Unite &amp; Win: The Workplace Organizer’s Handbook or visit workerorganizing.org. It’s designed for labor organizing, but the tips can help anyone.If you have been impacted by the workforce reduction, join the AFL-CIO’s new campaign for workers and share your story at deptofpeoplewhowork.orgA special call to action: Visit VowForGirls.org to raise awareness, fund change, and help girls take control of their futures. Ending forced child marriages is an important but overlooked cause – this is a fate that 12 million girls across the world face every year.


Don’t Let Trump’s Cuts Destroy the Government That Works For You

A league of unextraordinary gentlemen has taken over the White House. This week, Stacey breaks down how Donald Trump has allowed Elon Musk and his squad of young DOGE staffers to have unprecedented access to the federal government. Wired editor Leah Feiger joins Stacey to explain how she and her team of reporters uncovered how DOGE infiltrated the Treasury department, the potential security and privacy implications, and how AI fits into the equation. Then, Stacey sits down with University of Pennsylvania law professor and Strict Scrutiny co-host Kate Shaw to tackle the question on everyone’s mind: how is any of this legal? Also, be sure to listen for a special message from Stacey on how to manage our response to crisis—so we can stay informed, cut through disinformation, and fight back. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More:To stay informed about everything that’s going on with Doge, Musk, and Trump’s billionaire bandits, make sure to follow the reporting from Leah and her incredible team at Wired, as well as the other news sites she shouted out like 404 Media, Teen Vogue, and Rolling Stone. If you want to continue to learn about the questionable legality of the Trump administration’s actions, listen to Strict Scrutiny, co-hosted by our amazing guest Kate Shaw.A critical way to use your voice is to uplift stories like the ones we covered so they don’t get drowned out in the intentional chaos. If this resonated with you, tell someone—a friend, relative, colleague—even post it to your socials. Don’t let stories like this fade.Support organizations like Democracy Forward, State Democracy Defenders, and The Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection that are filing lawsuits to challenge Musk's unprecedented government takeover.   


How Trump Is Selling Out America to Elon Musk

President Donald Trump’s first 100 days are well underway, implementing ruthless and legally questionable executive orders, eviscerating American political norms, and filling government positions with loyalists. This week, Stacey Abrams speaks to Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who speaks unabashedly about why Democrats must strive to reach more Americans, how he approaches working across the aisle on issues that matter, and what we can do to fight back and fight for all Americans. Together, Stacey and Sen. Booker give concrete suggestions on how to support elected officials and organizations doing the work that matters, how to speak up about Trump’s Cabinet nominations, and how even small steps like amplifying  democrats through social media can help expose more people to critical information. They also answer a listener’s question about how to communicate effectively with your elected representative!For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More:The most effective letters from constituents to their elected officials are creative, heartfelt, and detailed. Don't underestimate your power -- organizing with like-minded individuals around a shared message does make an impact.Do a social media audit: who are you following? Are there elected officials you admire who you can add to the list? What are you sharing and posting? Could it be more positive, engaging, and helpful?Send $1 today to an organization working on an issue you care about.


Cory Booker On Winning the Messaging War Against Trump with Radical Empathy

Defeating Trump’s Chaos Playbook with Our New Age of Insistence

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is being weaponized by Donald Trump and Project 2025 and right-wing activists. That's because DEI has been around since the start of the country, opening doors of opportunity for millions of Americans, correcting past wrongs, and, crucially, benefiting everyone. In this episode, Stacey Abrams speaks with Kenji Yoshino, director of NYU’s Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and a constitutional law professor, about why we should clearly define, defend, and expand DEI. They explain who is covered, counter the misinformation about how DEI works, and advocate for DEI as a necessary tool for the future for the country.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More:Sign up for updates from American Pride Rises at aprnetwork.orgFind risk assessment resources from the Meltzer Center at advancingdei.meltzercenter.orgCheck out Nicholas Confessore’s thorough reporting on DEI opposition for The New York Times


Why DEI Scares Trump and Project 2025 and Why It Should

In his first term, Donald Trump pulled out of the global Paris Climate Accords and rolled back over 100 regulations impacting the safety of our air, water, and environment at large. As we prepare for Trump’s second term, Stacey Abrams speaks to Tik Root, Senior Staff Writer at Grist, about what protections and milestones are most at risk, which elements of the Inflation Reduction Act have bipartisan appeal, and how much Congress and the courts could play a role in slowing Trump’s fossil fuel agenda. They also discuss actionable ways that individuals can monitor their environmental safety and climate impact within their communities and homes. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More:Read Tik and his colleagues’ climate reporting at Grist.orgDo research to identify climate and environmental issues that are impacting your communityLook out for incentives like tax rebates to reduce your energy costs and upgrade your appliances


How to Save the Environment from Trump and Project 2025

Stacey speaks to Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist, epidemiologist and editor at large for public health at KFF Health News, about the threats to public health with the incoming Trump Administration. They talk through Trump’s appointees for the nation’s top health and science agencies like RFK Jr., how to bring scientific thinking back to policy making, and how to differentiate between public health and individual healthcare. Then Stacey explains how to make change by “power-mapping” an issue, finding out who is responsible for the problem, who has jurisdiction over it, and who is already thinking and talking about solutions.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More: Check out KFF Health News to get health news and read about health policy research, and sign up for their newsletters at KFF.Org/EmailBegin Power Mapping and researching the issue you care about most. Who is already thinking about this? Who is responsible for addressing it in your state or local government? Let’s get to work!


How to Combat Project 2025’s Dangerous Prescription for Public Health

Stacey talks to Kate Nazemi, a local education activist and parent, and Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, about the future of public education during a second Trump Administration. They break down Project 2025’s education policy prescriptions, the threats to the Department of Education, and what changes a President can and cannot make. Then, they discuss how to best get involved at the local level to make change in your community – from attending local school board meetings, to writing to your local representatives. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More: Check out the work of Advocates For Inclusive Education @afiebucks on Instagram, or at their websiteMake a list of people in your network and community that are working to do good, or could be potential partners for good.Follow the work of Jon Valant and The Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, or check out Chalkbeat, a nonprofit newsroom devoted to covering education across the United States.


How to Stand Up to Project 2025 and Save Public Education

Stacey talks to Rachel Sweet, who has successfully used ballot initiatives in tough states to change the rules. Most recently, she served as campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the coalition that passed abortion rights via a ballot measure in Missouri during the November elections. They discuss how ballot initiatives can be a tool for positive change, even in conservative states, and how to build coalitions at the state and local level to protect and expand our rights during a second Trump administration. Then, Stacey answers a listener question about the power of leading with compassion in difficult political moments – instead of reacting with only anger.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More: Visit the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center at Ballot.OrgVisit Indivisible.org to learn more about getting involved in the legislative process in your state


How We Can Take Democracy Back with Ballot Initiatives

Stacey talks to renowned chef, activist, and Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio about why the United States has a food insecurity crisis despite being the richest country in the world — and why this issue is especially pressing with an incoming Trump administration. They discuss what can be done to address the problem head on, including what Colicchio has learned from years of advocating for school lunches and solving for food deserts on Capitol Hill. Then, Stacey answers a listener question about what the potential appointment of Robert F. Kennedy will mean for the FDA, CDC, and America’s health in general. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More: Watch the documentary “A Place At The Table”Visit Double Up Food Bucks to see if your state has this program, or how to get it thereCheck out Food Research and Action Center for information on your state’s school meal programsSupport the Eco-Friendly Mobile Farm Stand ProjectDonate to children and families in need at your local food bank, Feeding America or No Kid Hungry.


How We Can Fix Hunger, Food Deserts, and a Broken System (with Chef Tom Colicchio)

Stacey speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson to see what history can teach us about moving forward after Trump’s reelection. They discuss strategies for countering disinformation, how Democratic leaders are preparing to use states’ rights to their advantage to challenge Trump’s federal overreach, and how the era following William McKinley’s presidency can be a guide for progressives. Then, Stacey answers questions from the audience on how to get involved in politics, and how to respond to community in this post-election environment. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More: Read Heather Cox Richardson’s nightly newsletter, “Letters from an American”, or her book, “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America”.Build community and find ways to help locally at Unitedway.org


Plotting Our Way Forward by Looking Back at History (with Heather Cox Richardson)

Stacey offers a reflection and a call to action to move beyond resistance and into insistence after the re-election of Donald Trump. Then she speaks with Grammy, Pulitzer, and MacArthur Genius Grant winning musician Rhiannon Giddens about the connection between politics and art. Giddens dives into the way categorization divides the music industry, the deep and multicultural history of the banjo, and how she has put her unique stamp on every genre from opera to folk music.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More: Watch the documentary Stacey Abrams and Selena Gomez produced called “Louder: The Soundtrack of Change”.Support independent musicians like Rhiannon Giddens and her group The Silk Road Ensemble.Plan ahead for Biscuits And Banjos, a festival Giddens is organizing dedicated to the reclamation and exploration of black music, art, and culture.


Stacey’s Post-Election Message and The Power of Music

Stacey talks with meteorologist and veteran hurricane expert, John Morales, who describes how growing up in Puerto Rico led him to his career and how important it is to talk about extreme weather effects. He explains the science of why storms are getting stronger, heatwaves are getting hotter, and droughts are becoming more frequent. Plus they discuss how your vote can help push policy makers to mitigate climate change and the most impactful actions we need to take to help our communities. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn &amp; Do More: Visit the Center for Climate and Energy SolutionsParticipate in the support group Extreme Weather SurvivorsLocate your mutual aid organization at Mutual Aid HubBe vigilant about disinformation and listen to our episode “Deepfakes, Lies, and How to Fight Disinformation”


How Your Vote Can Combat Extreme Weather and Save the Planet

Giving birth in the United States can be dangerous – but it doesn’t have to be. Stacey talks to Representative Jennifer McClellan of Virginia about the disparities in maternal health outcomes in the U.S. and policies to expand access to reproductive healthcare and affordable childcare. Then, Stacey welcomes ProPublica reporter Kavitha Surana to discuss her story on the deadly impact new state abortion bans are already having on pregnant people – and the importance of sharing these stories. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.Learn More: Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say This Mother’s Death Was Preventable (ProPublica)The19thNews.OrgThe Only Doctor (PBS)Black Maternal Health CaucusThe Momnibus


How To Fix America’s Maternal Health Crisis and Fight For Reproductive Freedom

Stacey sits down with artist KNA to discuss how artists are impacted by AI and other evolving technologies, how they can use them to fuel their creativity, as well as what next steps need to be taken to secure resources and protection for the arts in an increasingly digital world. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Do More:- Read the terms and conditions of social media and streaming platforms- Support artists directly by buying their art and merchandise


How Technology Is Transforming Art & Why We Should Care

Stacey sits down with award-winning actor, producer and activist Bryan Cranston to talk about how the entertainment industry is evolving one year on since the writers’ and actors’ strikes, how Hollywood can sustain our thirst for content, as well as the livelihoods of the artists who make it.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn More: Pencils Down! The 100 Days of The Writers Guild StrikeEntertainment Community Fund


The Future of Hollywood with Bryan Cranston

Stacey is joined by Mother Jones’ national voting rights correspondent and author, Ari Berman, to untangle threats to voting rights ahead of November’s election, what’s changed since the last presidential election, and how to push back to protect access this year and beyond. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn More:Links to Ari Berman's books:Minority Rule: The Right-Wing Attack on the Will of the PeopleGive us the Ballot: The Modern Struggle for Voting Rights in AmericaMarc Elias’ Democracy DocketTo register to vote or update your registration: vote.govTo find volunteer opportunities and get involved in protecting the right to vote: fairfight.com/lfgvStacey's new children's book: Stacey Speaks Up


The Fight for Voting Rights Across the Country

In honor of Banned Books Week, Stacey is joined by two guests: Her mom and former librarian, Reverend Carolyn Abrams, and actor, director, and literacy advocate, LeVar Burton. The trio discuss the transformative power of story and strategies to combat book banning.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. Learn More: Banned Books Week: https://bannedbooksweek.org/events/https://twitter.com/BannedBooksWeekhttps://www.instagram.com/banned_books_week/https://www.facebook.com/bannedbooksweek/American Library Association’s Office of Intellectual Freedom Banned Books Report: https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/reportAmerican Library Association Dear Banned Author Campaign:https://www.ala.org/bbooks/dear-banned-authorStacey Speaks Up: https://bookshop.org/p/books/stacey-speaks-up-stacey-abrams/21172602LeVar Burton Reads: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/levar-burton-reads/id1244649384


The Right to Read and Fighting Book Bans with LeVar Burton

If there’s power in numbers, then there are arguably few groups as powerful American tenants. Stacey is joined by founding director of the KC Tenants Union, Tara Raghuveer, to highlight the vast political potential they’re building through their organization in Kansas City and beyond.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn More: Read Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew DesmondVisit the KC Tenants website for a link to donate, an organizing toolkit, and resources on how to organize a campaign, write letters, and more.Look up your local mutual aid groups for fund drives, food banks, and other ways to volunteer.


The Rent is Too Damn High, But Renters Are Even More Powerful

Stacey is joined by journalist and author, Paola Ramos, and Washington Post TikTok host and producer, Joseph Ferguson, to explore how journalists and news organizations are meeting a dramatically altered landscape and the best way to navigate new media and the information maelstrom.  We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.Learn More:PBS News Hour “MisInformation Overload: Teens Reveal Perceptions and Impact of Misinformation” https://srlmisinformationoverload.tumblr.com/ For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast. 


New Media and How Emerging Voices Are Shaping What We Know

College sports is a huge business. How can we make it more fair for the athletes themselves? Stacey is joined by WNBA forward Brianna Turner and former NFL defensive back Domonique Foxworth to talk about student athlete compensation, unionizing college teams, and the future of the NCAA.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


United We Ball

Disinformation touches all of us, and more often than we think. Stacey is joined by Esosa Osa, founder of Onyx Impact, to talk about how acute the issue is and how to stop bad information from spreading—online and even in your family’s group chat.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


Deepfakes, Lies, and How to Fight Disinformation

This election is in the hands of Gen Z, a cohort of young Americans that’s diverse, creative, and—often—skeptical. At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Stacey is joined by Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first member of Gen Z to be elected to Congress, and influencer Haley Lickstein, a leading voice on civic engagement among young people, to talk about how they’re working to get their peers involved.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


Gen Z’s Fight for the Future

In the debut episode of Assembly Required, Stacey takes on one of the most intractable problems in American politics: the unequal distribution of power created by the Electoral College. Could ranked choice voting help give all Americans a more meaningful vote? Cynthia Richie Terrell, Executive Director of RepresentWomen and co-founder of FairVote, joins Stacey to make the case.We want to hear your questions. Send us an email at assemblyrequired@crooked.com or leave us a voicemail at 213-293-9509. You and your question might be featured on the show.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


Down with the Electoral College, Voting Alternatives Rise Up

Let's face it, sometimes the world feels broken. We can see what needs fixing, yet more and more, it feels like the problems are too big and the bad guys are winning. But the truth is, they’re not. They’re just hoping we stop fighting. Welcome to Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, a new podcast from Crooked Media and Democratic changemaker Stacey Abrams. Stacey knows better than anyone that societal shifts happen when a group of ordinary people decide that a problem is solvable, and are willing to pitch in and work towards the solution.Each week, Stacey will break down the biggest issues we face into digestible, actionable items, introduce us to the warriors for good already working towards solutions, strategize, and share tangible ways to get involved. Because we can't fix everything, everywhere, all at once; but we can each do something, somewhere, soon.


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Defeating Trump’s Chaos Playbook with Our New Age of Insistence

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