NOISE. TRUTH. COUNTERFORCE.
What Just Happened, What It Means, and What You Can Do
Welcome, Friends —
What a week!
From the very public unraveling of the Trump–Musk bromance to the emotional return of Khalil Abrego Garcia, from new federal investigations to fast-moving Supreme Court rulings—and Harvard back in the national spotlight—the pace has been relentless. Whiplash doesn’t begin to cover it. Breaking headlines are hitting every five minutes, and the administration’s retribution tactics are escalating in full force.
Amid this chaos, we’re here to cut through the noise.
This week’s issue highlights key developments in our political landscape, offers actionable ways you can show up and make a difference, and includes a special announcement from The Red Lipstick Forum—our growing community of bold resistance.
ANNOUNCEMENT: A Bold New Chapter for The Red Lipstick Forum
I am thrilled to announce that Donna Gutman—a longtime friend, fierce advocate, and dynamic political activist—has officially joined The Red Lipstick Forum as my partner!
Donna brings a lifetime of civic leadership, a sharp eye for truth, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Together, we are expanding the Forum’s reach and impact—connecting more people with the information, resources, and actions they need in this critical moment for our country.
We both wear the badge of grand-motherhood proudly, with 19 incredible grandchildren between us (ages newborn to 23!), and we’ve collaborated in the past through Donna’s visionary organization, Women of the World, and through my own Empower Woman Publications. Together, we reached thousands of women during the years we joined forces—amplifying voices, building networks, and driving change.
While we once imagined we were headed into retirement, the current crisis has made it clear: Now is the time to rise—not retreat.
Our mission is to cut through the chaos and disinformation, to offer clarity and courage, and to mobilize a wide, intergenerational counterforce rooted in truth, action, and hope. Looking for help to spread the word.
We’re here. We’re ready. And we invite you to meet this moment with us.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK:
Popcorn, Power Plays, and the Trump/Musk Meltdown
The nation—and much of the world—watched in disbelief as the Trump/Musk bromance imploded in real time.
It was a spectacle of ego and instability: a string of popcorn-worthy moments, each more jaw-dropping than the last, as the two billionaires exchanged insults and overt threats across Truth Social and X. The tone? Brash. Abusive. Publicly unraveling in the way only narcissistic, power-drunk figures can.
And like any toxic dynamic, we shouldn’t be shocked if they suddenly reconcile. That, too, would fit the classic cycle of abusive relationships—impulsive rage followed by a fear of consequences and a self-serving attempt to walk it back. Who has more to lose? Who will grovel, spin, or simply deny what happened? And most importantly—what impact will this have on our country?
These are not just celebrity feuds. These are power brokers with enormous influence over policy, public opinion, media platforms, and even elections. Their falling-out, and potential makeup, could have ripple effects that distort everything from tech censorship narratives to campaign funding to the normalization of cruelty in public discourse.
So we ask: What do you think?
Due Process or Political Manipulation?
The unexpected return of Khalil Abrego Garcia has stirred both relief and skepticism.
For months, the Trump administration—and Pam Bondi in particular—resisted every legal effort to bring Garcia home, despite repeated court orders, including from the Supreme Court. Then, without fanfare, he’s suddenly back. A victory for due process? On the surface, perhaps.
But scratch a little deeper, and the picture becomes murkier.
Yes, Garcia has returned to the U.S. under court order to exercise his right to a fair hearing. But now, new charges have been filed—accusing him of smuggling undocumented people within the United States. These accusations were never raised during his deportation or in the legal battles that followed. So why now?
This is a troubling and all-too-familiar pattern under the current regime: Target the person first. Then find charges later to justify the persecution.
It’s a dangerous erosion of the legal principles that are supposed to protect all of us. And it’s happening in plain sight—in case after case, across the country.
We must ask:
Is this justice?
Or is it strategic punishment for daring to challenge power?
Who’s next?
Stay alert. Stay informed. Stay vocal.
Miles Taylor - Who is he and Why is the administration trying to prosecute him?
I recently came across several compelling interviews with Miles Taylor—shared by fellow writers here on Substack—and I think they deserve your attention.
If the name sounds familiar, here’s why:
Miles Taylor served in the Department of Homeland Security under the Trump 1.0 administration. While in office, he anonymously authored the now-famous 2018 New York Times op-ed titled “I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration.” It described internal efforts to contain the president’s most dangerous impulses.
Taylor later revealed his identity and became a prominent whistleblower, warning the public about what he called “a deeply unstable, lawless presidency.” Since then, he’s been targeted by Trump loyalists—both politically and personally.
In a recent interview with
, Taylor shared chilling insights about internal dysfunction, fear tactics, and what he calls a “pattern of authoritarian behavior” that continues to escalate. You can watch the interview between Katie Phang and Miles Taylor on Substack by clicking the photo below.
Now, Trump allies are reportedly exploring ways to prosecute or silence him—despite his actions being constitutionally protected and motivated by conscience. It’s a disturbing sign of how dissent is punished under regimes that prize loyalty over law
Want to Learn More?
Check out recent interviews and posts by
and featuring Taylor’s behind-the-scenes accounts. His courage in stepping forward—despite enormous personal risk—offers critical insight into what we’re truly up against. This story touched our hearts this week. Miles and his wife, daughter and dog, Martini, can use your help!ACTION YOU CAN TAKE: DEFEND WHISTLEBLOWERS & TRUTH TELLERS:
Miles Taylor’s legal defense fund is called End Presidential Revenge, and it can be accessed at endpresidentialrevenge.org. This fund was established to support Taylor and other whistleblowers facing legal and security challenges due to retaliatory actions, including an executive order from President Trump directing federal agencies to investigate Taylor for his public criticisms.
The initiative is coordinated by Whistleblower Aid, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting individuals who expose wrongdoing. Funds raised through this platform are allocated to cover legal and security expenses directly associated with federal actions taken against Taylor and others confronting similar retaliation.
To learn more or contribute, please visit endpresidentialrevenge.org.
1. Share the Miles Taylor quote graphic
Post it on social media with a personal caption. Use hashtags like:
#ProtectWhistleblowers #MilesTaylor #AuthoritarianWatch #RedLipstickForum
2. Subscribe & support independent journalists
Follow
, and other trusted Substack writers who are interviewing insiders and uncovering what mainstream outlets miss.3. Write your representatives - YOU KNOW THE DRILL
U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Urge them to protect whistleblowers, strengthen the Whistleblower Protection Act, and oppose retaliatory prosecutions against truth-tellers.
4. Host a discussion group
Gather a few friends or neighbors (online or in-person) to watch Miles Taylor’s interviews. Follow up with a discussion using prompts like:
“What is the role of dissent in a healthy democracy?”
“Why are whistleblowers so often punished instead of praised?”
5. Stay vocal
When former officials speak out against abuse of power, amplify their voices—
Silence serves authoritarianism. Visibility is resistance.
A RECOMMENDED READ:
“So You Want to Be a Dissident?” published by The New Yorker offers practical guidance and insights for individuals considering or engaged in dissent, especially under authoritarian regimes. The piece discusses the risks involved, strategies for protection, and the importance of maintaining integrity and security in activism.
You can read the full article here: So You Want to Be a Dissident?
This article provides valuable perspectives for anyone interested in understanding the complexities and necessities of dissent in challenging political climates.
NO DOME CAN STOP A DRONE!
What Ukraine just proved—and what Trump still doesn’t understand.
While Donald Trump continues to peddle his fantastical vision of a “golden dome” protecting the United States from attack—an idea widely dismissed by national security experts as technically impossible and strategically naïve—the real-world threat matrix is evolving in a much different direction.
Case in point: Ukraine.
In a stunning and largely unannounced strike, Ukrainian forces recently destroyed one-third of Russia’s bomber fleet—not with billion-dollar systems or impenetrable domes, but with truck deliveries and remote drone attacks. No advance help from the U.S. No overhyped theatrics. Just grit, innovation, and precision.
Finally, I take a breath and say - DON’T FORGET NO KINGS DAY PROTESTS!
June 14, millions of people will be gathering to protest the administration.
Rules of the road include -
Signage focused on issues, not appearance of Trump
Comfortable clothing
Bring mask for safety in numbers (health)
Get a group together and make it loud
Stay LEGAL!
Find your best location for NO KINGS DAY! BE PRESENT. RESIST.
Click here to find a location near you or to HOST ONE: ⬇️
Until next time, please share our work as much as you can.
Stay safe, be healthy, take care of yourself, rally, protest, share what you know!
Judy & Donna
Love the summary. You hit both the high notes and the low notes!
I’m so excited for the new partnership as both of you are gifted leaders and together you’re amazing! Congratulations 🎈🎉