Yo, Miss! Podcast

In 1981, shots outside the Washington Hilton nearly killed Ronald Reagan—and the aftermath boosted his popularity as the country rallied around him.More than four decades later, gunfire again erupted at the same hotel during events tied to the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, where Donald Trump was in attendance and later evacuated. The suspect in the Washington dinner shooting ws just charged with attempting to assassinate TrumpSame building. But a very different America.In 1981, there was broad national sympathy. Today, the reaction is immediate, fractured, and shaped by partisan media ecosystems ranging from calls for increased security via a White House Ballroom to conspiracy-laden speculation that this was a false flag event.In this video, I break down the eerie historical parallel and ask the real question: in a hyper-polarized era, do moments like this still unite the country the way they did for Reagan… or do they just deepen the divide? Spoiler: it’s far more likely to deepen the divide than unite the country. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

'It's a new world, it's the same constitution'More than 150 years ago, the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified after the Civil War to overturn Dred Scott v. Sandford and make one thing clear: if you are born on U.S. soil, you are a citizen. That principle has held for generations through waves of immigration, political backlash, and changing global conditions. So when today’s arguments try to say the world is different and the Constitution should bend with it, Chief Justice John Roberts pushed back with a reminder that cuts through the noise: it may be a new world, but it’s the same Constitution. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Every year I teach World War I, and every year my students are surprised to learn that the United States once made it a crime to criticize the government. Although this year, a lot of students were less surprised. The Espionage Act of 1917 despite its name had little to do with spies. Its most sweeping provisions made it a federal crime to obstruct military recruitment or say anything that might cause “insubordination” in the armed forces. It also gave the Postmaster General the power to deny mailing privileges to any publication deemed seditious, strangling anti-war newspapers before they could reach readers.The Sedition Act of 1918 went further, criminalizing any “disloyal, profane, or abusive” language about the government, Constitution, or military. Not actions. Just words. Socialist leader Eugene Debs was sentenced to ten years for a speech encouraging men to resist the draft. Rose Pastor Stokes got the same sentence for writing a letter to a newspaper saying she opposed the war. Over 2,000 Americans were charged; roughly 1,000 were convicted.The Supreme Court largely approved. Justice Holmes coined the “clear and present danger” test in Schenck v. United States to justify the convictions, then later dissented in Abrams v. United States, warning the country against suppressing the free exchange of ideas. The Sedition Act was repealed in 1921. The Espionage Act was not. It remains law today.As a history teacher, I find this episode clarifying rather than distant. The mechanisms used such as vague statutes, postal censorship, equating dissent with disloyalty are not unique to 1917. They are a template. A blueprint. When we hear rhetoric today about punishing the press or treating criticism as betrayal, we are not hearing something new. I mean, just today, Trump posted the president posted, “Now with the death of Iran, the greatest enemy America has is the Radical Left, Highly Incompetent, Democrat Party!” Trump also said Saturday that “Radical Left Democrats have hurt so many people with their vicious and uncaring ways” and that “Fascist Democrats will never protect America.” Tomorrow ICE agents are being sent to airports to assist airport security as the DHS shutdown continues. Knowing the history doesn’t guarantee we do better. But not knowing it almost certainly means we won’t. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

The Oscars unfolded this year against a backdrop of political division, declining trust in institutions, and a fragmented media landscape where shared cultural moments are increasingly rare. Once drawing more than 50 million viewers, the ceremony now competes in an endless attention economy shaped by streaming and social media. We break down the night’s biggest winners, including One Battle After Another taking Best Picture, with Michael B. Jordan (Sinners) and Jessie Buckley (Hamnet) winning the top acting awards—and what they reveal about the cultural moment. We also examine why so few speeches were overtly political, how the film industry itself is changing, the fading power of celebrity culture, and the ceremony’s “end-of-an-era” mood following the loss of major Hollywood figures. With Conan O’Brien’s self-aware hosting setting the tone, the Oscars felt less like the center of American culture and more like a glittering ritual happening in a country struggling to agree on reality. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

In 1864, the United States was literally in the middle of the Civil War. The country was divided. Hundreds of thousands had already died. The future of the nation was uncertain.And Abraham Lincoln still insisted that the presidential election happen.He believed that if the United States canceled elections because of war, democracy itself would be lost. Lincoln said that if the rebellion could force us to skip an election, it would prove that a government of the people could not survive a crisis.So the election went forward. In the middle of a war.Soldiers voted from the battlefield. The country debated the future. And Lincoln ran for reelection and won. By the way, Lincoln ran under the National Union banner against his former top Civil War general, the Democratic candidate, George B. McClellan who ran as the "peace candidate" In other words, if McClellan would have won the Election of 1864, he would have ended the Civil War. However, that’s what democracy looks like. We hold elections, even during perilous times. So when anyone suggests postponing elections because of a war they themselves helped start, history has a pretty clear answer.If the United States could hold an election during the Civil War, we can certainly hold midterms today. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

This week I had the honor of spending time with Gabby Giffords, the former Arizona congresswoman who survived an assassination attempt in 2011 and transformed that tragedy into a lifelong fight to end gun violence. Her courage and determination helped inspire me to co-found Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence alongside Abbey Clements and Sarah Lerner. At a moment when so much can feel dark and overwhelming, being with her was a powerful reminder that progress is built by people who refuse to give up. In our conversation, we talk about what comes next in the fight to end gun violence and what each of us can do to help build a safer future. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

This is not random. And it’s definitely not neutral.Hanging banners of Charlie Kirk, Catharine Beecher, and Booker T. Washington on the Department of Education building is a choice. Charlie Kirk built a career as a racist attacking universities and multicultural education. Catharine Beecher championed women’s education but rooted in domesticity and “separate spheres.” She was an ardent anti-suffragist. Booker T. Washington was a giant in Black education, but one whose philosophy emphasized accommodation in the face of segregation. When you put these three together, you’re not just honoring history. You’re signaling a worldview.Notice who’s missing. No John Dewey. No W.E.B. Du Bois. No Ella Baker. No one who centered democratic activism, structural critique, or student voice. That absence is loud. Because the people you elevate tell us what kind of education you believe in.This lineup suggests a Department of Education obsessed culture-war messaging and nothing else. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

In moments of rising authoritarianism, disinformation, and historical amnesia, artists matter more, not less. From U2’s decades of confronting political violence and inequality to today’s new activist music responding to war, protest, and repression, the tradition is clear: music doesn’t just entertain us. It documents. It humanizes. It refuses to let cruelty become normal. At a time when fear politics tries to make silence feel safer, artists remind us that hope is not naïve. Hope is resistance. And democracy doesn’t defend itself. People do. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

In my interview the day after Rep. Deborah Ross questioned AG Pam Bondi, Rep. Ross reflects on how she centered the Epstein survivors and refused to let their voices be sidelined in a high-stakes oversight moment. She explains why accountability isn’t just about politics: it’s about respect, truth, and justice for those who were harmed. It’s a powerful reminder of what principled leadership looks like when it puts people first. That’s how you make history. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Every day has felt unbearably heavy.But tonight, on the frozen streets of New York City, something shifted.I haven’t seen this many young people out marching in a long time. And not just college kids, high school students entered the chat. Young people speaking. Chanting. Marching. Organizing.I stopped to talk with a few groups and asked what brought them out. They told me they had joined school walkouts earlier in the day, then came together in groups to march to Foley Square. No influencers. No spectacle. Just collective action.They said they’re out here for their friends and neighbors for the immigrant communities that are integral to this city. Communities that are New York City.I’ve always said movements only work when they’re intergenerational. Tonight, I saw that in real time.Yes, things are bleak as hell right now. But hear me when I say this: get off your laptops. Put down your phones. Pause the podcasts. Turn off the TV. And get outside.The revolution isn’t happening on a screen.It’s happening on these frozen streets—fueled by people power, by young voices, by a growing demand to abolish 🧊 and push fascists out of power. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

I had the honor of speaking with Dr. Yohuru Williams tonight about what’s happening on the ground in Minneapolis right now. People always say to “find the helpers” in challenging times but I prefer to find the historians, the people who can help us navigate forward with the wisdom of our past.Here is his excellent and inspiring article that he references in our discussion. I have been returning to it a lot:Dr. Williams is a historian and author of 11 books on Black freedom struggles, including Call Him Jack. He is a History Channel contributor featured on PBS, CNN, and NPR, he co-created Paradox: Echoes of Police Reform. He is the Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Trump has been weirdly obsessed with William McKinley: invoking him, elevating him, even tying him to symbolism like the mountain renaming. Like, remember this Executive Order entitled “Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness”And then, suddenly, you see why: McKinley represents not just tariffs but the dawn of America’s imperial era. William McKinley (1897–1901) was the 25th president of the United States, best known for championing high tariffs and presiding over the Spanish-American War which was an inflection point that launched the U.S. into a more openly imperial role. During his presidency, the U.S. took control of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines, among other territories, and established dominance over Cuba through U.S. occupation and the Platt Amendment. In other words: McKinley isn’t just a “tariff guy.” He’s a symbol of America’s turn toward expansion, coercive power, and empire.This video breaks down what Trump is signaling when he keeps resurrecting McKinley and why it matters when “inspo” starts looking like policy. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

I’ve lived in New York City for decades, since college, since the 1990s, since becoming who I am.I’ve taught 24 years of high school kids here. Five classes a year. Usually thirty-four students per class. Thousands of lives woven into mine, and mine into theirs.I have begun again and again in this city.New apartments. New friend groups. New crushes. New loves. New heartbreaks. New versions of myself.I grew up here.I loved here.I cried on street corners and ran through its parks.I met people from every walk of life who cracked my world open and made it bigger.And somehow, I never grow tired of this place of its noise, its grit, its tenderness, its refusal to give up on itself.New York City raised me. It challenged me. It held me when I was breaking and dared me to keep going.If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.And with Zohran Mamdani as our mayor, more of us are going to make it, together. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

On Sunday, December 14, 2025, I didn’t just watch history, I stood inside it. For twelve straight hours, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani sat across from New Yorkers from every borough and did something radically simple: he listened. No speeches. No spin. Just people, one by one, taking a seat and being heard. By the end of the 12-hour day, Mamdani met with 142 New Yorkers.I was there to document it, not as a spectator, but as someone talking directly with the New Yorkers brave enough to show up, sit down, and say what they needed to say about the city they love and fight for.This video is a snapshot of that day: the voices, the emotion, the urgency, the hope. I interviewed participants who waited, who spoke, who walked away inspired and what comes through is this truth: democracy doesn’t live in soundbites, it lives in moments like these. This wasn’t performance. It was practice. And I’m proud to have been there to help tell the story. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

I just want to take a minute to thank each and every one of you who subscribes to this newsletter. Truly. Attention is our most valuable asset right now, we’re all getting pummeled with posts, texts, emails, breaking news alerts, and about twelve newsletters we forgot we signed up for. So the fact that you choose to spend any part of your day here with me? It means a lot.And because some of you only know me as a history teacher/person-who-yells-about-history-and-the-news-on-the-internet… I don’t want you worrying that I’m wandering around in permanent “democracy emergency” mode.So, to restore balance (and your faith that I do sometimes experience joy), here’s a video of me this morning being… extremely not serious. Enjoy. 💖🖤📚I hope you are all getting some rest and joy as well! Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Donald Trump crossed a line no U.S. president has ever crossed: invoking the language of execution against sitting members of Congress.Not during the Civil War.Not during McCarthyism.Not even at the height of Watergate did a president target lawmakers this way.In this video, I break down why this moment is historically unprecedented, what it means for our democracy, and why every civics and U.S. History teacher in America felt a chill run down their spine and honestly, why every American who doesn’t want to live under an authoritarian government should be paying attention. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Nearly 250 years ago, we said NO KINGSWe fought a revolution to reject the idea that one man could rule over a free people. And today, millions across the country took to the streets to say NO KINGS again. From New York City to small towns across America, people gathered to protest what they see as an assault on democracy and the creeping return of authoritarian power. Early reports estimate nearly seven million marched nationwide on October 18. The NYPD reported 100,000 in New York City alone. I was there and it was definitely far more than that out on the streets.The founders may have declared independence in 1776, but every generation has to defend it.Were you there today? Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

This week I spoke with PIX11’s James Ford about how educators teach 9/11 today. Watch and read the full piece hereIt’s a conversation I’ve been having for years. In fact, I first wrote about teaching 9/11 for PBS NewsHour Classroom in 2021 on the 20th anniversary. Four years later, I find myself returning to those reflections, because the way we teach 9/11 keeps changing, just like the world around us.My first day of student teaching was supposed to be September 11, 2001.That morning, I woke up to Z100’s “Morning Zoo,” half-asleep, thinking they were making a dark joke about the World Trade Center. When I turned on the Today Show, it was horrifyingly real. A friend called from her office rooftop on Canal Street. I screamed at her to run as the first tower collapsed. Hours later, she found her way to my Hell’s Kitchen apartment, which quickly became a refuge for friends and my brother. We sat together, stunned, as the world shifted under our feet.By the time I started student teaching at Stuyvesant High School later that year, I walked past Ground Zero every day. The hole in the skyline never got easier. My students had fled for their lives on 9/11, yet many seemed numb. Was it shock? Trauma? I didn’t yet have the words for it, but I knew teaching 9/11 would never be straightforward.From memory to historyFor my earliest students, 9/11 was a lived memory. They wrote poems, stood in silence as the names were read, and carried the event with them. But as the years passed, new classes came of age too young to remember. Suddenly, 9/11 shifted from lived trauma to a page in the textbook.So I shifted too. I told my story. I brought in primary sources. Later, I connected it to what came after: Islamophobia, surveillance, and the creation of ICE. For my undocumented students, I found myself saying words I never imagined needing in 2001: “You’re safe here. ICE can’t touch you in school.”A new kind of fearBy 2020, my students were less worried about Al Qaeda and more worried about their own government. Then came January 6th. Watching the Capitol insurrection unfold, I felt the same frozen fear I had on 9/11. The next day, my students summed it up in the chat: White supremacy. Not surprised. Disappointed.Gen Z has never known a world without crisis. They’ve grown up under the shadow of 9/11, endless war, the Great Recession, Trump, a pandemic, and now domestic terror. And layered onto all of this: the constant threat of gun violence. For many of them, active shooter drills feel more real and immediate than foreign terrorism ever did.24 years laterThis fall marks my 24th year teaching history in New York City. For me, 9/11 frames my entire career. For my students, it’s one of many chapters in an ongoing story of fear, resilience, and survival.It is my job as an educator to arm my students with facts, critical thinking skills, and an empathetic understanding of the past. If we’ve learned anything over the past twenty years, education is crucial if we have any hopes of creating a world that is one day free of violence, fear, and terror.If you missed my PIX11 conversation with James Ford, you can watch and read it here.Also, this is my original PBS News Hour Essay. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

I had the honor of sitting down with Cait Conley, a Hudson Valley native, decorated Army veteran, and one of the Democrats challenging Republican Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17). Conley traces her call to service back to 9/11, a moment that led her to West Point and a 16-year Army career with six combat deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen. Rising from military police officer to special operations leader, she earned three Bronze Stars and the Presidential Unit Citation. These experiences forged her conviction that true leadership demands accountability, sacrifice, and integrity, qualities she argues are absent in Lawler’s politics.Conley makes a compelling case for urgent investment in the Hudson Valley’s future, in infrastructure, education, and vocational training and does not mince words about Lawler’s record. She charges that his votes have consistently undermined working families, and that he fundamentally underestimates the voters of NY-17. Grounded in service and community, Conley offers a vision of leadership that prioritizes people over politics and reminds us that resilience is not just a military value but a civic one. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Introducing a new series: History Tea! Warren G. Harding wasn’t just America’s 29th president, he was also one of the most scandal-ridden. Corruption rocked his administration, and his private life was even messier: a decades-long affair with Carrie Phillips (their very steamy love letters were finally released in 2014) and a secret child with Nan Britton, confirmed by DNA testing in 2015.In 1923, Harding suddenly died while on a West Coast tour. His wife Florence refused an autopsy, fueling rumors that she poisoned him to cover up the scandals. Most historians agree it was natural causes—but the mix of love letters, affairs, and conspiracy theories left Harding with one of the most complicated legacies of any U.S. president.What strikes me is how familiar this feels. Harding’s death sparked endless speculation because there was a void of information. A century later, we see the same thing play out with Donald Trump: murmurs about mystery hospital visits and health cover-ups. In both cases, secrecy creates conspiracy. The difference? Harding’s story was locked in history. Trump’s is unfolding in real time. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Mike Cortese traces his path from Nashville’s music industry to the Metro Council and now to a congressional campaign against Representative Andy Ogles in Tennessee’s 5th District. His story is rooted in community, service, and the belief that politics should be about showing up for people, not special interests. After arriving in Nashville in 2001 with no car, no computer, and no connections, Cortese built a career in the music industry and tech sector, even teaching at Belmont University, before turning to public service. Elected to the Metro Council in 2023, he now brings that experience of resilience and grit to his run for Congress.Cortese speaks candidly about the state of Nashville politics, the economic challenges families face, and his determination to rebuild trust between voters and those who represent them. His campaign theme, “hometowns over headlines,” underscores his promise to prioritize the needs of working families over partisan theatrics. Against an opponent like Andy Ogles, known more for MAGA loyalty and Trump bootlicking than tangible results, Cortese is betting on a message of accountability, economic fairness, and a commitment to public service.This won’t be an uncontested path. Cortese faces a Democratic primary field that includes Joyce Neal and James Torino, with Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder also weighing a run. But his approach is clear: keep the focus on community engagement, honest communication, and economic solutions that transcend party lines. As he puts it: “We need to show up for you.”Thanks for reading Yo, Miss! ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Senators x History, Senator Tammy Baldwin honors fellow Wisconsin trailblazer Robert M. La Follette Sr., the fearless Progressive Era reformer known as “Fighting Bob.” La Follette took on corporate monopolies, advanced workers’ rights, and pushed through groundbreaking reforms like direct primaries and stronger government accountability. He even carried his message to the national stage with a presidential run in 1924.As the first openly LGBTQ+ Senator, Baldwin reflects on how La Follette’s bold legacy of challenging entrenched power and expanding democracy continues to inspire her work today. His fight for fairness, transparency, and the rights of ordinary people remains as urgent as ever. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

As someone who teaches democracy in my classroom every day, I wanted to hear directly from Representative Jason Crow about how he sees the fight for it unfolding in Congress. In our conversation, he breaks down his lawsuit against ICE, the critical role of congressional oversight, and what it takes to defend democracy in today’s political climate.The fight he describes reminded me of past moments in U.S. history when oversight was essential, from Watergate to the Church Committee, proof that accountability has always been a cornerstone of democracy. From the threat of authoritarianism to the need for civic engagement and coalition-building, Crow underscores the Democratic Party’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and a level playing field for all Americans.This isn’t just about Congress, it’s a reminder that all of us have a role to play in safeguarding democracy. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Senators x History, Senator Mark Kelly selects Thomas Edison as the historical figure he’d teach about. Edison, often called “the Wizard of Menlo Park,” was a prolific inventor whose creations, including the light bulb, phonograph, and motion picture camera, reshaped how people lived, worked, and connected with one another.For Kelly, who spent decades as a Navy pilot and NASA astronaut before serving in the Senate, Edison represents the spirit of innovation that fuels both space exploration and America’s broader progress. Edison’s relentless experimentation, thousands of failed attempts before achieving success, serves as a reminder that perseverance is at the heart of discovery.Kelly’s choice highlights how science and technology don’t just solve problems, but also inspire new possibilities for the future. His lesson underscores that America’s greatest breakthroughs have come from those willing to push boundaries, embrace failure, and keep working toward bold ideas.Stay tuned for more episodes of Senators x History, where U.S. Senators share the lessons from history they’d bring to the classroom.Thanks for reading Yo, Miss! ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels, yes, the one known for push-ups and protein shakes, not primary sources, recently took to CNN to downplay the role of slavery in U.S. history. Sitting across from host Abby Phillip, Michaels insisted that “less than 2% of white Americans owned slaves,” arguing we are exaggerating slavery’s significance.Let’s pause there. This is a classic deflection tactic. Technically, by 1860 about 8% of white Americans directly enslaved people. But focusing on that percentage erases the reality: slavery wasn’t a side hustle for a tiny elite, it was the backbone of America’s economy. Cotton, sugar, rice, and tobacco industries fueled not only Southern wealth but also Northern banks, shipping companies, insurers, and factories. The U.S. government itself depended on this system. It was all interconnected!Even if someone’s ancestor never personally owned enslaved people, they likely still benefited from the system, through wages tied to the cotton trade, access to land, or political systems built on white supremacy. Meanwhile, generations of Black Americans were denied wages, property, and equal protection under the law. That’s not a “small percentage problem.” That’s systemic.Here’s how People magazine described the moment:Jillian Michaels “defended Donald Trump and white people during a heated debate about slavery,” telling Abby Phillip that less than 2% of whites owned slaves, prompting visible shock on the panel. (People)And The Daily Beast reported:CNN’s Abby Phillip appeared stunned after Michaels’ “small percentage” comment, with others on the panel noting how dismissive it sounded of slavery’s scope and legacy. (The Daily Beast)So let’s be clear: Jillian Michaels may know her way around a kettlebell (although her Biggest Loser show has since been criticized), but she’s no historian. Slavery was not some niche practice, it was America’s economic engine. To reduce it to a percentage is not just wrong, it’s dangerous. It erases the very system that shaped this country and continues to shape inequality today.Slavery wasn’t just a few bad apples. It was the entire orchard. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Last night, I was in the room as Beto O’Rourke took the stage at the Howlin’ Wolf in New Orleans and fired up a crowd of over 2,000 people. This wasn’t a typical town hall. It was a blunt, emotional call to action, focused on resisting authoritarianism, organizing from the ground up, and refusing to write off the South. “This is not a red state,” Beto said. “This is a rigged state,” calling out the voter suppression, gerrymandering, and lack of national Democratic support in Louisiana, a state where registered Democrats and Republicans are nearly equal in number.He also spoke about the fight in his home state of Texas, where Democrats are battling extreme gerrymandering efforts that could wipe out five Democratic seats and set a dangerous precedent nationwide.He didn’t hold back. Beto warned about the rising consolidation of power, slammed Trump’s enablers as “cowardly quislings,” and called out Merrick Garland directly: “I hope Merrick Garland has a nice retirement, but he had four f*****g years to put Donald Trump away for crimes he committed in broad daylight.” He talked about the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” that hands tax breaks to the rich while gutting social safety nets and how we’re watching democracy unravel in real time unless we act. But the town hall wasn’t just about naming problems. It was a reminder that real power starts at the local level, with people showing up, organizing, and listening.Beto closed by urging the crowd not to give up on Louisiana — or themselves:“Don’t let them tell you New Orleans doesn’t count. This might be the place we win back power.” The message was clear: stop waiting for national leaders to save us. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

The Civil Rights Movement: voting rights, grassroots organizing, and the fights still unfolding in Congress.New episode alert. I’m back on Capitol Hill with Senators x History, the series where I ask U.S. Senators what they’d teach if they had my classroom for a day—and how the past guides the work they do now.For Episode 2, Senator Cory Booker chooses the Civil Rights Movement—from Selma and the Voting Rights Act to the everyday organizing that powered it all. We also dig into his own record-breaking filibuster (yes, I built a lesson on it; PowerPoint below!) and why keeping the faith matters when the work feels endless.📑 Download the lesson: My “Booker Filibuster & Voting Rights” slide deck—link here.Why the Civil Rights Movement—and why now?Because the movement’s core playbook (grassroots pressure, moral framing, federal leverage) still drives every modern fight for equal rights. It’s living history, unfinished business, and a call to act.What I’m asking every Senator* If you taught my class for one day, what’s the lesson, and why?* Which moments and figures from history still shape your work?* What should we do now if we care about democracy and public education?* Bonus: What’s the song on your playlist—the power anthem that keeps you going?What’s nextEpisode 2 of an ongoing series. Quick, classroom- or commute-ready conversations with U.S. Senators.How history shapes the people shaping policy.Stay tuned for each Senator’s power anthem at the end of every episode.Teacher extras (for my teacher readers)* Discussion prompt: Which Civil Rights tactic—direct action, litigation, or legislation—moved the needle most, and why?* Activity: Compare Booker’s 2023 filibuster to Senator Thurmond’s 1957 record; evaluate purpose, outcome, and public response.* Extension: Map current voting-rights bills and identify one action students can take this semester.If you want more episodes* Comment who should be next * Share with someone who cares about democracyThanks for reading Yo, Miss! ! This post is public so feel free to share it.* Subscribe so you don’t miss the next drop (and the resources that come with it)Yo, Miss! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

New series alert. I’m bringing my classroom to Capitol Hill. In Senators x History, I ask U.S. Senators what they’d teach if they had my class for a day, and how the past guides the work they do now.For our premiere, Senator Ed Markey makes the case for teaching the 1960s: from civil rights and Vietnam to organizing tactics and civic courage. His bottom line is simple: the movement didn’t end; it’s our job to keep going.Why the 1960s, and why now?Because the decade is a living blueprint: coalition‑building, youth activism, legislative wins (and losses), backlash, and the long arc of “unfinished.” The 1960s show how change is made and why it must be maintained.What I’m asking every Senator* If you taught my class for one day, what’s the lesson, and why?* Which moments and figures from the 1960s still shape your work?* What should we do now if we care about democracy and public education?* Bonus: What’s the song on your playlist (the power anthem that keeps you going)?What’s nextEpisode 1 of a new series. Quick, classroom‑ or commute‑ready conversations with U.S. Senators.How history shapes the people shaping policy.Stay tuned for each Senator’s power anthem at the end of every episode.If you want more episodes* Comment who should be next:* Share with a teacher, student, or civics nerd:* Subscribe so you don’t miss the next drop: Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

This week, I brought my U.S. history textbook to the Senate and sat down with several Senators to talk about the past, the people who inspire them, the fight to save our democracy and our public schools and the anthems that keep them going. Stay tuned: I’ll be dropping these interviews over the next few weeks. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

What do the charts of American Inequality look like when you’re living them in a public school classroom? In this conversation, Jeremy Ney and I connect the data to the daily realities: teaching U.S. history through democratic backsliding, rising inequality, and political fear. We talk about what students are facing now, from trans rights to food insecurity, and how policies like budget cuts and book bans are showing up in real time.Because the numbers matter. But so do the stories.Thank you Joan DeMartin, Luciano Balbo, Randall Smith, and many others for tuning into my live video with Jeremy Ney! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Education policy expert Josh Cowen has spent decades exposing the truth behind school vouchers and the billionaires pushing to dismantle public education. Now he’s taking that fight to Congress. In this live interview, we talk about what the data really says, why he’s stepping into the political arena, and what’s at stake in Michigan’s 7th district—and beyond.Learn more about Josh Cowen and contribute to his campaign here:https://joshcowenmi.com Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

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OK, so people are out here on TikTok saying Harriet Tubman wasn’t real.There’s a wave of TikToks going around claiming she was “an industry plant” or straight-up “not real.” Yes, really. People are posting like she was some government-made myth designed to “control the narrative.”This is terrifying on so many levels.I cannot believe we’re at the point where I have to say this, but here we are: Harriet Tubman was a real person. A revolutionary. A war hero. And no, she wasn’t some “industry plant” cooked up by the government. That’s not critical thinking — that’s TikTok clout-chasing dressed up as conspiracy theory. And it’s a symptom of a much bigger problem: a crumbling education system and a coordinated campaign to erase history — one the Trump administration is actively pushing.Here’s Harriet Tubman’s story:In 1849, Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery. Within a decade, she became the most well-known “conductor” of the Underground Railroad. She wasn’t just an abolitionist — she was a tactical genius. During the Civil War, she worked as a secret spy, scout, and military leader for the Union Army. In fact, she was the first woman in U.S. history to plan and lead a military operation.Tubman was born into chattel slavery between 1820 and 1825 in Maryland. One of nine children, she was originally named Araminta Ross, but her family called her “Minty.” Her childhood was brutal — like most enslaved people, she endured violence and trauma daily. She bore permanent injuries from a blow to the head at age 13, after trying to protect another enslaved person. For the rest of her life, she suffered seizures, severe headaches, and narcolepsy.In 1844, she married a free Black man named John Tubman. When she learned she might be sold, she ran — walking 90 miles to Philadelphia, following the North Star. A year later, she returned to rescue her sister and nieces. Then she came back again. And again. In total, she made 19 trips, directly and indirectly freeing over 300 enslaved people, including her elderly parents. She never lost a single passenger. Slave catchers put a $40,000 bounty on her — over $1 million in today’s money — but she kept going.They called her “Moses,” and she said it best herself:“I had reasoned this out in my mind, there was one of two things I had a right to — liberty or death. If I could not have one, I would have the other.”And she wasn’t done.In 1863, Tubman teamed up with Colonel James Montgomery to lead the Combahee River Raid — a liberation mission that freed 750 enslaved people and struck a major blow to Confederate infrastructure. She also worked as a nurse, using herbal remedies to care for wounded soldiers and formerly enslaved people.After the war, she settled in Auburn, NY. She raised money for newly freed people, fought for women’s suffrage alongside Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, married a man twenty years her junior (icon behavior), adopted a daughter, and in 1896, opened the Harriet Tubman Home for the Aged. Despite her lifelong health issues, she lived to be 93.Even today, her legacy continues to spark debate — like the ongoing fight to replace Andrew Jackson with her on the $20 bill.But make no mistake: Harriet Tubman was real. The lies spreading online aren’t just misinformation — they’re a form of erasure. And if we don’t push back, we’ll end up with a generation that knows more about fake TikTok lore than the woman who risked everything to bring others to freedom.If some of these TikTok conspiracy theorists still don’t believe you, here are some resources:Museums & Historic Sites1. Harriet Tubman National Historical Park (Auburn, NY)Managed by the National Park Service, this site includes Tubman’s home, the Home for the Aged she founded, and the AME Zion Church she helped build. It’s a powerful place to walk in her footsteps.2. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park (Maryland)Located near where she was born and enslaved, this park preserves key sites from her early life and Underground Railroad missions. Their website includes digital exhibits, maps, and teacher resources.3. Harriet Tubman Museum (Cape May, NJ)Tubman worked in Cape May during the 1850s to fund her missions. This museum highlights her connection to New Jersey and her broader legacy of freedom and resistance.Digital Collections & Educational Resources4. Library of Congress: Harriet Tubman Primary SourcesFeatures letters, photographs, and documents related to Tubman’s work, her abolitionist network, and Civil War service. A great resource for teaching and research.5. National Women’s History Museum: Harriet Tubman Biography & ResourcesProvides a solid overview of Tubman’s life along with curated links for further learning.6. Smithsonian Magazine: Harriet TubmanA collection of articles exploring her life, legacy, and ongoing efforts to honor her — including coverage of the $20 bill debate and historical reinterpretations.7. New York History Net - Primary Sources on Harriet TubmanDetailed breakdowns of Tubman’s missions, historical essays, and first-person accounts.Feel free to add other resources in the comments! Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

I had the honor of interviewing former Congressman Jamaal Bowman, and we went deep. From the fractured state of the Democratic Party to the urgency of this political moment, Jamaal doesn’t hold back. He shares why he’s endorsing Zohran Mamdani for New York City Mayor and lays out what real leadership should look like—grounded in justice, courage, and community.Jamaal also breaks down his six pillars for revolution: mass political education, collective trauma healing, deep organizing, taking care of each other, building visionary policy, and reclaiming our collective imagination. We’re at a crossroads in this country—and this conversation is about what we do next. If you’ve been asking, “What can I do?”—this is your motivation.For organizers, educators, frustrated Democrats, and anyone craving real change—this one’s for you.Watch, reflect, and get ready to do the work.Thank you Michael deCamp, Hirut Kidane-mariam, Randall Smith, and many others for tuning into my live video with Jamaal Bowman! Join me for my next live video in the app. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

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Qatar is reportedly gifting Donald Trump a $400 million luxury jet—framed as a temporary Air Force One, but ultimately bound for his presidential library foundation. Unlike the Statue of Liberty—a public gift from France to the American people, symbolizing democracy and welcome—this jet is a personal tribute to one man’s power and ego.However, that didn’t stop MAGA from twisting history to defend yet another grift.The only thing “Hamas Force One” and the Statue of Liberty have in common is that they’re both gifts from foreign nations. That’s where the similarity ends.Yo, Miss! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

I sat down with Brad Lander to talk about his vision for the future of New York City — and what inspired him to run for mayor. From education to leadership to the kind of city we all want to live in, we covered what’s at stake and how he hopes to make a difference.It’s a thoughtful, candid conversation about policy, purpose, and the importance of public service. Don’t miss it.You can read all about Brad Lander’s plans for NYC hereYo, Miss! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

What do Lincoln, Bush, and Trump have in common? They’ve all tested the limits of habeas corpus—your constitutional right not to be detained without charge or trial. It’s one of the oldest protections in our democracy, meant to stop governments from locking people up without cause.Lincoln suspended it during the Civil War. Bush tried to deny it after 9/11. And now, in Trump’s 2025 administration, his Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller is publicly calling for habeas corpus to be suspended for migrants—citing an “invasion.”In this video, I break down what habeas corpus actually is, the landmark court cases that have defended it, and why this fight is more urgent than ever. Here’s the deal: once the government can disappear people without due process—it rarely stops there. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Meet Mary Harris “Mother” Jones—once called “the most dangerous woman in America.” She wasn’t a politician. She wasn’t a general. She was a widowed Irish immigrant who turned her rage into a righteous crusade for workers’ rights.After losing her husband and children to yellow fever and watching her dress shop burn in the Chicago Fire, Mother Jones didn’t just survive—she fought. By the late 1800s, she was organizing coal miners, leading massive strikes, and marching child laborers right up to the doorstep of President Theodore Roosevelt. She called out capitalism, demanded dignity for workers, and fearlessly spoke truth to power in a time when women weren’t even allowed to vote!She didn’t care about playing nice—she cared about justice. “Pray for the dead,” she said, “and fight like hell for the living.”So why is she left out of so many history books? Because she reminds us that real change doesn’t come from the top down—it comes from relentless pressure from below. From the women, workers, and radicals who refused to be silenced.And we need her spirit now more than ever, as Trump and Republicans are trying to slash Medicaid while protecting tax cuts for billionaires. The richest Americans are hoarding more than ever, while everyday people can’t afford insulin or rent. If Mother Jones were alive today, she wouldn’t be quietly writing op-eds or flying banners above Mar-a-Lago—she’d be in the streets with a bullhorn and a picket sign.So, let’s put her story front and center where it belongs. Go over to Share My Lesson to for the full lesson plan and worksheet.Share this post and share her story. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

I had the absolute honor to sit down with Secretary of State Michigan Jocelyn Benson—yes, that Jocelyn Benson—who stood her ground in 2020 when armed protestors tried to intimidate her into overturning a free and fair election. She didn’t back down then, and she’s not backing down now as she runs to become the next governor of Michigan.In our conversation, Benson opened up about her powerful new book, The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What's Right When the Stakes Are High, and the personal moments that shaped her: being a military spouse while her husband was deployed in Afghanistan, navigating toxic workplaces, surviving a miscarriage that deepened her commitment to reproductive rights, and her early work investigating hate groups in Selma, Alabama. Every chapter of her story is a call to action.We also talked about the fight for public education, the dangerous divide over truth in America, and what it means to lead with purpose—especially when the stakes are sky-high. As the daughter of educators, a mom, and a public servant, she’s building a future rooted in equity, education, and real economic opportunity.Jocelyn Benson is woman who runs toward the fire when democracy is under threat. And she’s just getting started. It was an honor to speak with her. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

I just had an important conversation with Representative Eric Swalwell, and we covered some key issues threatening our democracy right now. We dove into the Journalist Protection Act, an important bill that he recently introduced — because let’s be real, a free press is essential for democracy to even function. Representative Swalwell broke it down: journalists are facing real threats, and if we don’t protect them, we’re putting our own rights at risk.We also dug into the attack on public education (spoiler alert: this is bigger than just schools), how tariffs are going to hurt all Americans, how Republicans REALLY feel about Trump, and the importance of all Americans stepping up and putting pressure on elected officials. Here’s the bottom line:* The Journalist Protection Act is a step toward defending our rights against Trump’s assault on our democracy.* Public education is being dismantled, and that’s a huge threat to democracy.* Tariffs might seem like a distant issue to some people, but trust me, the impact is coming for all of us. * We need to pressure Republicans to take their power back to check the President’s power on tariffs. * When we show up to town halls and call our representatives, we make a difference.Rep. Swalwell reminded us: we’re not powerless. We have to act — and now’s the time. Oh, and these are the two books we discussed:Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation by Zaakir Tameez The Field of Blood: Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War by Joanne B. Freeman Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Is it possible that Donald Trump’s doll rant isn’t just weird —but a window into a deeper right-wing talking point rooted in patriarchal politics?A quick recap if you missed it. On "Meet the Press" Trump told host Kristen Welker:"I don't think that a beautiful baby girl needs – that's 11 years old – needs to have 30 dolls. I think they can have three dolls or four dolls because what we were doing with China was just unbelievable. We had a trade deficit of hundreds of billions of dollars with China." But this isn’t just Trump glitching out with some economic gibberish. As Amanda Marcotte breaks down in Salon ("‘Two dolls’ for Christmas: Trump resorts to sexism to sell tariffs”), this rant echoes a long history of not just MAGA sexism but a patriarchal agenda that using culture war panic to police women, consumer freedom, and gender roles.Watch my video and read the full article.Then tell me what you think! Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Today I dive into one of the biggest threats to American democracy you’re probably not hearing enough about: the Supreme Court is taking up a Trump-backed challenge that could erase birthright citizenship as we know it.In this 3-minute history drop, I break down the long—and urgent—story of birthright citizenship in the United States. From Dred Scott to the Fourteenth Amendment, Wong Kim Ark to Plyler v. Doe, all the way to the 2025 showdown that could redefine who gets to be American.📺 Watch the video, then share your thoughts below—I want to hear what you think. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

This should terrify all of us.Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, one of the chief architects of Trump’s second term, gave a chilling briefing Thursday on the state of the Department of Education.In it, he declared:“Children will be taught to love America. Children will be taught to be patriots.”He made it clear: states that want federal funding will have to fall in line.And in a move straight out of the McCarthy era, Miller also claimed schools that “promote communist ideology” will lose federal support. What does that even mean? Who decides what counts as “communist”? A history book? A social justice lesson? A teacher who encourages critical thinking?Miller may be Trump’s homeland security adviser and deputy chief of staff for policy — but he’s also a throwback to a time we were supposed to have buried in the history books.History tells us this is how authoritarian regimes take hold.Hitler’s first move? Gut the schools. Replace real learning with propaganda. Expel Jewish teachers. Rewrite the textbooks. Turn classrooms into echo chambers of hate and obedience.Mussolini. Stalin. Franco. Today’s strongmen. They all follow the same playbook:Censor the truth. Rewrite the past. Control the future.That’s why this moment matters. That’s why this video of Stephen Miller shouldn’t just worry us — it should mobilize us.Because this isn’t just about education policy.It’s about democracy itself. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

When I teach my students about President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the creation of Social Security, I remind them it wasn’t just a policy — it was a promise. A promise that no American would grow old or become disabled without a safety net. But nearly 90 years later, that promise is under coordinated attack by the Trump Administration and Republicans.In this powerful interview, I sit down with Governor Martin O’Malley — former mayor, governor, and Commissioner of the Social Security Administration — to unpack what’s really going on. From staffing cuts to privatization threats to billionaires like Elon Musk calling it a “Ponzi scheme,” this conversation is a wake-up call. O’Malley even shares a personal photo of his maternal grandfather standing behind FDR during his final campaign stop — a moving reminder of the great legacy of Social Security in the United States.In this urgent and eye-opening interview, I sit down with Governor Martin O’Malley, former Commissioner of the Social Security Administration, to break down the myths, political attacks, and dangerous disinformation campaigns threatening one of America’s most vital programs. With clarity, humor, and deep historical knowledge, Governor O’Malley exposes the falsehoods — from claims that Social Security is a “Ponzi scheme” to lies about immigrants draining the system. He explains how the program actually works, why it’s financially sound, and how efforts to starve the agency of staff and resources are part of a deliberate strategy to dismantle it from within.We also dig into the moral foundation of Social Security — a program rooted in the common good and our shared responsibility to one another. O’Malley makes the case that Social Security isn’t just a policy — it’s a promise, a reflection of our country’s values, and one of the most successful anti-poverty programs in history. With Trump and Elon Musk’s administration pushing budget cuts, staff purges, and privatization efforts, O’Malley issues a clear call to action: Know the truth, share the truth, and tell your elected officials to keep their hands off our earned benefits. This is a must-watch conversation for anyone who cares about economic justice, democracy — and the future of our country. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Trump just hit his first 100 days back in office — and it’s time for a report card. As a history teacher, I’m used to grading work based on facts, effort, and integrity… so let’s just say this wasn’t a tough call. Art? Minimal credit for making himself head of the Kennedy Center just to whitewash culture. World Language? Blank — unless you count Russian. Math? The economy speaks for itself. Reading? He clearly hasn’t read the Constitution and loves banning books. Science? Denies it. Fires researchers. Social Studies? He has no grasp of American history or democracy. Additional notes: While surprisingly cordial with billionaires and dictators, he shows an obsessive streak of bullying, narcissism, and nepotism. I’d recommend less screen time and fewer shady financial transactions. Now it’s your turn — be the teacher. Grade Trump’s first 100 days and tag your video #TrumpReportCard. Let’s flood the feeds with real accountability. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Donald Trump is making history — but not in the way he wants. As of April 27, 2025, President Donald Trump holds the lowest 100-day approval rating of any U.S. president in the past 80 years. According to a Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll conducted from April 18–22, only 39% of Americans approve of his performance, while 55% disapprove. This marks a significant drop from February's 45% approval and is lower than his own record-setting 42% at the same point during his first term in 2017.A separate CNN poll found Trump’s approval at 41%, also showing a sharp decline. The numbers tell a deeper story: voters are disillusioned with Trump's handling of the economy, his attacks on democratic norms, and the growing instability he has created both at home and abroad. While Trump still has his loyal cult following, the broader American electorate appears increasingly alarmed by the chaos and constitutional crisis he’s created.While these polling numbers can’t undo the damage the Trump Administration has already caused, they may offer a glimmer of hope for a positive shift in the upcoming midterm elections.Thank you for all your support. When you share my posts, it helps boost my views AND when you leave a comment it helps me get to know you all better! So please share and comment! Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

This morning, just before sunrise, Senator Cory Booker and Leader Hakeem Jeffries sat on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to speak directly to the American people — about faith, values, and the moral moment facing our nation.With Congress returning tomorrow, Republican leaders are pushing a reckless budget that would slash $880 billion from Medicaid and $230 billion from food assistance (SNAP) over the next decade — all to fund massive tax breaks for billionaires. These cuts would devastate seniors, children, and working families across the country.This sit-in follows the tradition of Congressman John Lewis and the historic House sit-in of 2016, when lawmakers demanded action to protect lives from gun violence. It also carries forward the spirit of the 2017 protests to defend healthcare and basic human dignity against dangerous cuts. Today, Senator Booker, Leader Jeffries, and others — joined by more Democratic leaders and faith allies — are sitting down to stand up for America’s most vulnerable, and calling on all of us to join them.If these proposed cuts would hurt you or someone you love, send a direct message to Senator Booker or Leader Jeffries and share your story. Or, if you’re able, come to the Capitol today to show up and speak out.Our voices matter. They’re needed more than ever. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe

Kilmar Abrego Garcia wasn’t deported. He was kidnapped.He’s not in a prison. He’s in a death camp. And he never got his day in court. That’s not just wrong—it’s unconstitutional.In the U.S., due process isn’t optional. It’s a right, guaranteed by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments to everyone—yes, even people without legal status.The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Kilmar Abrego Garcia must be returned. Justice Sonia Sotomayor, writing for the Court, made it clear: if the government can deport someone before the courts intervene, it could justify disappearing anyone—even U.S. citizens.But Trump’s DOJ? They’re ignoring the ruling. Straight-up defying the highest court in the land.That’s contempt of court—literally.At a press conference in El Salvador, Senator Chris Van Hollen revealed that the Salvadoran government blocked him from speaking to Abrego Garcia, either in person or by phone. When he asked Vice President Félix Ulloa for a meeting, Ulloa offered him a tour of Cecot—the megaprison notorious for abuse. Van Hollen replied: “I just want to meet with Mr. Abrego Garcia.” Ulloa said no. Not even the man’s family is allowed to speak to him.Van Hollen was blunt: “We have an unjust situation here. The Trump administration is lying about Abrego Garcia.” They falsely labeled him MS-13—even though an immigration judge granted him protected status back in 2019. Trump officials now admit an “administrative error” led to his deportation anyway.Here is an update from Senator Van Hollen: And instead of fixing it, they’re doubling down. The Trump White House is attacking Van Hollen for defending his constituent. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, even went on Fox News and called Abrego Garcia an “MS-13 terrorist.” Based on a lie:Van Hollen isn’t backing down: “I may be the first United States senator to visit El Salvador on this issue—but there will be more.”And this isn’t an isolated case. Merwil Gutiérrez, a 19-year-old Venezuelan living in New York City, was also wrongfully deported—despite agents realizing mid-operation that he wasn’t even the person they intended to arrest. Here is more information here.So, this isn’t just about one man. It’s about whether the rule of law still exists. And whether we’re willing to fight for it. Get full access to Yo, Miss! at saribethrosenberg.substack.com/subscribe