You Can't Throw Out Constitutional Amendments 1.23.25 Ally Sammarco Jan 24 Happy Thursday and welcome back to Today’s American News, your source for news and analysis on the circus that is American politics and entertainment. Republican-appointed judge halts Trump overhaul of birthright citizenship… Calling the executive order “blatantly unconstitutional,” U.S. District Judge John Coughenour blocked Trump’s attempt to overhaul birthright citizenship. “The 14th Amendment to the Constitution promises citizenship to those born on U.S. soil, a measure ratified in 1868 to ensure citizenship for former slaves after the Civil War,” the Associated Press notes. Trump apparently thought he could overrule the United States constitution by denying citizenship of undocumented immigrants born after Feb. 19. Judge Coughenour, an appointee of President Reagan, told the attorney representing the Trump administration, I can’t remember another case where the question presented was as clear as this one is.” Hegseth defense secretary nod advances despite bipartisan opposition… Two Republicans, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), joined all Senate Democrats in voting against a procedural motion clearing the way for C-list Fox News host Pete Hegseth to be defense secretary. The vote passed, 51-49. Factors in Murkowski’s vote were “a lack of experience, allegations of personal misconduct and comments opposing women in combat roles,” according to Politico. Collins echoed these reservations. Our take: Look for Trump to call out Murkowski and Collins in 3… 2… 1… Also, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a veteran, had her chance to show leadership and do what’s right for the military in which she served. She chose MAGA instead. Sen. Susan Collins (left) and Sen. Lisa Murkowski (right). Credit: Getty Anti-Defamation League calls out Elon Musk… The world’s richest man and a top advisor to President Trump had to be reminded that “the Holocaust is not a joke.” Such are the times we live in. Elon Musk, who essentially purchased the Donald Trump presidency, has used his coziness with Trump to land a fake job in which he sets out to fire government workers–and to blow anti-Semetic dog whistles. The ADL called Musk out in a post on X. “Making inappropriate and highly offensive jokes that trivialize the Holocaust only serve to minimize the evil and inhumanity of Nazi crimes, denigrate the suffering of both victims and survivors and insult the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah,” the statement read. Credit: AP Federal DEI workers fire back at Trump after mass layoffs… NBC reports, “Many who work in the federal government knew that an incoming Trump administration would take aim at diversity, equity and inclusion jobs within their ranks. It was just a matter of when and how far he’d go. For most employees, it happened at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, when they got notices that they would be forced to take paid leave, according to a memo from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The memo followed President Donald Trump's executive order ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs in federal agencies.” The laid-off workers are disproportionately people of color and legal action is likely. Today’s Buzz The most streamed shows of 2024… Nielsen’s 2024 streaming ratings are out and just like in the game itself, there can only be one winner: Squid Game. Find The Hollywood Reporter’s article here. Here’s the top 10: 1. Squid Game (Netflix), 4.92 billion minutes viewed 2. Virgin River (Netflix), 2.25 billion 3. Red One (Prime Video), 1.81 billion 4. Carry-On (Netflix), 1.54 billion 5. The Six Triple Eight (Netflix), 1.33 billion 6. Bluey (Disney+), 1.17 billion 7. Landman (Paramount+), 1.08 billion 8. The Equalizer (TV series) (Netflix/Paramount+), 1.05 billion 9. Home Alone (Disney+), 917 million 10. Elf (Hulu/Max), 848 million We hope you have a wonderful weekend. Check back tomorrow for the next edition of Today’s American News.