CRISIS IN AMERICA: Breaking Down the Fight for Our Future

Damian Galvan and Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA 31) sit down with Oye Owolewa, the Shadow Representative of Washington D.C., for a conversation on the constitutional crisis facing the nation’s capital, Trump’s militarization of D.C., and why D.C. residents continue to face “taxation without representation.”Owolewa breaks down how D.C.’s lack of statehood affects daily life; from policing and the National Guard to housing, immigration, and racial justice. He warns against over-policing, Trump’s use of D.C. as a political pawn, and argues that real safety comes from investing in communities.Sharing his journey from pharmacist to Shadow Representative, Owolewa recalls winning his first race by just one vote and urges young people to “take that jump,” step into leadership, and help complete America’s democratic mission.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction00:42 – What It Means to Be a Shadow Representative02:17 – Why D.C. Faces a Constitutional Crisis 04:22 – Trump’s Militarization of Washington D.C. 07:01 – The Truth About Crime in D.C.09:59 – How Baltimore Reduced Crime Without Over-Policing11:50 – ICE, Collateral Arrests, and Targeting Immigrants17:45 – The Tragic Impact of ICE Raids in California21:11 – Trump’s Immigration Policies as “Legislative Violence”23:50 – Why D.C. Needs Statehood Now28:21 – D.C.’s Fight Against Taxation Without Representation30:23 – What D.C. Residents Really Want From Statehood32:02 – Owolewa’s Role: Community Programs and Expungement Clinics34:56 – Why Real Safety Comes From Opportunity, Not Policing37:00 – Trump’s Dangerous Rhetoric on Homelessness in L.A.40:16 – Racial Motivations Behind Trump’s Policies43:41 – National Guard, Policing, and Federal Overreach in D.C.46:09 – D.C.’s Overlapping Police Forces Explained48:56 – Community Organizing Against Militarization51:00 – The Removal of Black Lives Matter Plaza53:03 – Threats to Home Rule and D.C.’s Future54:46 – Owolewa’s Background: Pharmacist to Politician58:10 – Vaccines and Science vs. Source: Trust Me Bro1:00:24 – Trump’s Cabinet Choices: RFK Jr. to… Dr. Oz?1:02:04 – Climate, Green Goals, and Protecting Future Generations1:03:18 – Owolewa’s Advice to the Next Generation1:06:59 – Winning His First Race by Just One Vote1:08:57 – Learning from Obama’s Early Losses1:09:41 – Final ThoughtsThank you for tuning into the ‘Who Dem?’ Podcast! We bring on Democratic leaders, candidates, personalities, and more with a goal of truly getting to know the person beyond politics. Hosted by Damian Galvan and Rep. Gil Cisneros (D-CA 31).New episodes weekly! Subscribe now and never miss a conversation.Connect with us on socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whodempod/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whodempod📩 For business inquiries: [email protected]