Congress needs to simply Not Fund this organization. The American People are about to spend more on the Military budget than ever before. There needs to be a lot of Push Back from Both parties to Stop Kristi Noem's attack on the people she took an Oath to Defend and Protect. This is getting way out of hand😱 Another terrific article, Jack, Good Job 🎯 and will reStack ASAP 🙏
Karen, you’re thinking in the right direction...the purse strings.
Congress can’t “run” DHS day-to-day...but it can choke it: appropriations...riders...reporting requirements...audits...holds...and hearings. That’s where REAL leverage lives.
You’re also right about the politics...if this is going to get stopped...it has to be framed as state power abuse and rule-of-law breakdown...not team sports.
One tweak, though... “simply not fund” is rarely simple...because they’ll hide it inside massive DHS/continuing-resolution packages. (Part of me is resentful that I know this. Not because I shouldn't...but the circumstances that pushed me to learn it.)
So...the fight becomes...targeted restrictions + transparency mandates + enforceable oversight...NOT just one big vote.
And, Karen...thank you for the reStack...seriously. That’s how this spreads.
History shows that relying on force against federal authority is rarely effective. Governors can deploy the National Guard for state emergencies, but opposing federal operations risks federalization and legal defeat. Real leverage comes from law, transparency, and strategy — not standoffs. Authority without strategy is hubris; hubris invites defeat.
James, I'm grateful that people like you...and others here...do. Social media folks are often a mixed bag on truth...even among Democrats. The truth gets rejected pretty hard sometimes. Unfortunately.
Great article. Hopefully Waltz and Pritzger have good people to advise them so they don't end up stepping in the mess instead of trying to contain it. There are sure a lot of plates spinning that can be hard to track. And drumpf keeps adding more. I don't think he can keep up and I believe his "handlers keep putting ideas in his head and that is one reason he can't answer questions a lot of times.
Teri, you’re exactly right about the danger...in a chaos environment...the easiest mistake ...is trying to “do something” that creates the mess instead of containing it.
The smart play for governors is disciplined leverage...lawyers...injunctions...documentation...non-cooperation...while refusing to hand the feds the optics they want. (If I sound like a broken record, good. Because these are the things that work. They don't change.)
Yes, there are a lot of plates spinning on purpose. Overload is a tactic..if people can’t track it...they STOP resisting.
That’s why I keep reducing it to systems...and choke points.
On Trump...I’m careful about “handlers,” (unless we're talking Stephen Miller) but your read on the symptom is solid...he looks like a guy managing a firehose of impulses and headlines...and when the script breaks...he stalls or rambles.
The important part isn’t diagnosing him...it’s not letting the noise...pull us off strategy. That's his area of "expertise." Fortunately, we have even better strategies...but only if we relentlessly pressure people to use them...and constantly use the tools we have as well.
Teri, Steven Miller is the mouth piece Trump is now sending to the Sunday network shows. SM is getting more cocky. He may be getting a little ahead of himself. He is one to keep tabs on. I appreciate your input here. You always have something worth hearing.
In fact, USA Today just wrote, "Gov. Walz mobilizes Minnesota National Guard amid heated protests." It goes on to say, "...staging to support local law enforcement and emergency management agencies." This was at 9:41 pm Central.
He's intelligent using them for public safety, including protection of life...and supporting the rights of all who are gathered to peacefully protest.
I just read your great use of the Minnesota NG, and was about to ask if Gov Walz was as aware as you made us, and lo and behold! There it is! He’s a lovely man, and one smart cookie. Thanks Jack.
He's got a pretty fine line to walk in order to use the National Guard without inviting federalization. So far he seems to be on the right side of that line. More likely, and this worries me, trump and ICE will lie about something and move that line out from under the governor.
It looks like Walz was already on the same page. I wrote this in another comment: "In fact, USA Today just wrote, "Gov. Walz mobilizes Minnesota National Guard amid heated protests." It goes on to say, "...staging to support local law enforcement and emergency management agencies." This was at 9:41 pm Central.
He's intelligently using them for public safety, including protection of life...and supporting the rights of all who are gathered to peacefully protest.
Several recent court rulings, including SCOTUS, interpret 10 U.S.C. § 12406 to mean the president can federalize NG troops only AFTER trying to enforce an action with “regular forces” meaning active duty military. The situation you describe does not likely fall under these new rulings, but it would take another court case to determine that.
Scott, you’re keying in on the HINGE: §12406(3) allows federalizing the Guard only if the President is “unable with the regular forces to execute the laws.”
Recent SCOTUS action... in Trump v. Illinois...read “regular forces” ...as the regular U.S. military...and treated this trigger as narrow.
So...yes...this likely makes that scenario harder...but...the exact threshold will keep getting litigated.
Friends and I will get to visit today, and another friend is recovering from a stroke. People are being helpful in this area, and so many of us care about people in other areas. Having some sunshine and the pause in the day to reflect on people’s good news, to hear gentle wind chimes, and to have the furnace running and the ability to warm up are such treasures! I am thankful for all of that and more.
I thought I was still on the Sunday good news page, but I am happy to share the good news here, too! I am thankful for Jack’s newsletter and the shared ideas and caring of so many people! Thank you all!
JP, a Sunday (or any day) good news page is a great idea! Your post is a ray of sunshine in warped surroundings. I can visualize the sights and the things you feel as you mentioned them...it made my heart smile. ❣️🙏
Oh, Brenda, what a delightful message and beautiful description! Thank you so much, and I love that it made your “heart smile”!
I must give credit for the idea of “Good News Sunday” to Aaron Parnas, who starts each Sunday morning with good news only. People share, and I am sure there are lots of restorative smiles for a time. As the day progresses, he will share other news as needed, always with a calm voice, clean language, and with respect, and with sources. He generally keeps it short, a convenience to fit busy times. These Sundays seem to build a sense of community. So do these many Substacks, and I am so grateful for each one, especially including this one, and for their hosts or creators, and the many kind people who comment.
K people...hold the line of non-violence; the reason Cheetolini is pushing so hard right now: 1) Jack Smith is to testify in public hearing January 30 2) the constant drip of the Epstein files is reaching critical mass 3) his actions in regard to Greenland and the EU are prima facie evidence of TREASON...the end of trump draws nigh...
I have the feeling that all the Greenland stuff is to keep people's mind off all the things trump is doing to provoke circumstances that will allow him to eventually call for martial law and perhaps cancellation or postponement of the November elections.
Well, I'm SOL on this one. I live in Florida. DeSantis is welcoming ICE with open arms. I live in Orlando and in the past 3 days, ICE has ramped up here significantly. Hundreds of hotel rooms reserved. And they have reportedly already found a location for a detention center. I knew they were coming here eventually in mass force. Eventually turned into now.
I'm a Minnesotan and support Governor Walz and always have. I know lawsuits have been filed by the attorney general but in your research, do you see the governor initiating any of these additional items? I know there has been talk of calling up the Guard
Congress needs to simply Not Fund this organization. The American People are about to spend more on the Military budget than ever before. There needs to be a lot of Push Back from Both parties to Stop Kristi Noem's attack on the people she took an Oath to Defend and Protect. This is getting way out of hand😱 Another terrific article, Jack, Good Job 🎯 and will reStack ASAP 🙏
Karen, you’re thinking in the right direction...the purse strings.
Congress can’t “run” DHS day-to-day...but it can choke it: appropriations...riders...reporting requirements...audits...holds...and hearings. That’s where REAL leverage lives.
You’re also right about the politics...if this is going to get stopped...it has to be framed as state power abuse and rule-of-law breakdown...not team sports.
One tweak, though... “simply not fund” is rarely simple...because they’ll hide it inside massive DHS/continuing-resolution packages. (Part of me is resentful that I know this. Not because I shouldn't...but the circumstances that pushed me to learn it.)
So...the fight becomes...targeted restrictions + transparency mandates + enforceable oversight...NOT just one big vote.
And, Karen...thank you for the reStack...seriously. That’s how this spreads.
#HoldFast
-Jack
History shows that relying on force against federal authority is rarely effective. Governors can deploy the National Guard for state emergencies, but opposing federal operations risks federalization and legal defeat. Real leverage comes from law, transparency, and strategy — not standoffs. Authority without strategy is hubris; hubris invites defeat.
But. . . I kinda want a secret decoder ring. ☹️
Maybe I can create a "Jack Hopkins decoder ring." ;)
How many boxtops will we have to send in?
I want to be on the wait list for the decoder ring. 😜 SUGGESTION:
JD (Just Dumb) Vance
Maybe we can have our Herschel Walker Decoder Rings adjusted.
HA!
I'm withya Cherae...been waitin a long time now...that dang Jack, all he seems to be interested in is hammerin out the thruth
James, I'm grateful that people like you...and others here...do. Social media folks are often a mixed bag on truth...even among Democrats. The truth gets rejected pretty hard sometimes. Unfortunately.
-Jack
HA!
Great article. Hopefully Waltz and Pritzger have good people to advise them so they don't end up stepping in the mess instead of trying to contain it. There are sure a lot of plates spinning that can be hard to track. And drumpf keeps adding more. I don't think he can keep up and I believe his "handlers keep putting ideas in his head and that is one reason he can't answer questions a lot of times.
#HOLDFAST
Teri
Teri, you’re exactly right about the danger...in a chaos environment...the easiest mistake ...is trying to “do something” that creates the mess instead of containing it.
The smart play for governors is disciplined leverage...lawyers...injunctions...documentation...non-cooperation...while refusing to hand the feds the optics they want. (If I sound like a broken record, good. Because these are the things that work. They don't change.)
Yes, there are a lot of plates spinning on purpose. Overload is a tactic..if people can’t track it...they STOP resisting.
That’s why I keep reducing it to systems...and choke points.
On Trump...I’m careful about “handlers,” (unless we're talking Stephen Miller) but your read on the symptom is solid...he looks like a guy managing a firehose of impulses and headlines...and when the script breaks...he stalls or rambles.
The important part isn’t diagnosing him...it’s not letting the noise...pull us off strategy. That's his area of "expertise." Fortunately, we have even better strategies...but only if we relentlessly pressure people to use them...and constantly use the tools we have as well.
#HOLDFAST
-Jack
Thanks for the reply Jack.
#HOLDFAST
Teri
Teri, Steven Miller is the mouth piece Trump is now sending to the Sunday network shows. SM is getting more cocky. He may be getting a little ahead of himself. He is one to keep tabs on. I appreciate your input here. You always have something worth hearing.
Agree he is the main character feeding drumpf with ideas and directing the ship
Agree and thank you for responding
#HOLDFAST
Teri
Thanks for this. Have been wondering what is the hold up, but Walz is no dumb doggy.
You're welcome, Roberta. NO...he's not.
In fact, USA Today just wrote, "Gov. Walz mobilizes Minnesota National Guard amid heated protests." It goes on to say, "...staging to support local law enforcement and emergency management agencies." This was at 9:41 pm Central.
He's intelligent using them for public safety, including protection of life...and supporting the rights of all who are gathered to peacefully protest.
-Jack
I just read your great use of the Minnesota NG, and was about to ask if Gov Walz was as aware as you made us, and lo and behold! There it is! He’s a lovely man, and one smart cookie. Thanks Jack.
He's got a pretty fine line to walk in order to use the National Guard without inviting federalization. So far he seems to be on the right side of that line. More likely, and this worries me, trump and ICE will lie about something and move that line out from under the governor.
I hope the govs see this and start the ball rolling. I can just see Noem pulling out her hair extensions.
Thanks, Jack.
#HoldFast
Sue
I lol'd at the image, Sue...haha. Thank you.
It looks like Walz was already on the same page. I wrote this in another comment: "In fact, USA Today just wrote, "Gov. Walz mobilizes Minnesota National Guard amid heated protests." It goes on to say, "...staging to support local law enforcement and emergency management agencies." This was at 9:41 pm Central.
He's intelligently using them for public safety, including protection of life...and supporting the rights of all who are gathered to peacefully protest.
-Jack
We all need to laugh sometimes.
Sue
🤣🤣🤣
Several recent court rulings, including SCOTUS, interpret 10 U.S.C. § 12406 to mean the president can federalize NG troops only AFTER trying to enforce an action with “regular forces” meaning active duty military. The situation you describe does not likely fall under these new rulings, but it would take another court case to determine that.
Scott, you’re keying in on the HINGE: §12406(3) allows federalizing the Guard only if the President is “unable with the regular forces to execute the laws.”
Recent SCOTUS action... in Trump v. Illinois...read “regular forces” ...as the regular U.S. military...and treated this trigger as narrow.
So...yes...this likely makes that scenario harder...but...the exact threshold will keep getting litigated.
#HoldFast
-Jack
Likely over and over…
Super informative. Thanks.
Great to hear, Elizabeth George. You're most welcome.
-Jack
DON'T GIVE THEM THE OPTICS!!!
BINGO!
Friends and I will get to visit today, and another friend is recovering from a stroke. People are being helpful in this area, and so many of us care about people in other areas. Having some sunshine and the pause in the day to reflect on people’s good news, to hear gentle wind chimes, and to have the furnace running and the ability to warm up are such treasures! I am thankful for all of that and more.
I thought I was still on the Sunday good news page, but I am happy to share the good news here, too! I am thankful for Jack’s newsletter and the shared ideas and caring of so many people! Thank you all!
JP, a Sunday (or any day) good news page is a great idea! Your post is a ray of sunshine in warped surroundings. I can visualize the sights and the things you feel as you mentioned them...it made my heart smile. ❣️🙏
Oh, Brenda, what a delightful message and beautiful description! Thank you so much, and I love that it made your “heart smile”!
I must give credit for the idea of “Good News Sunday” to Aaron Parnas, who starts each Sunday morning with good news only. People share, and I am sure there are lots of restorative smiles for a time. As the day progresses, he will share other news as needed, always with a calm voice, clean language, and with respect, and with sources. He generally keeps it short, a convenience to fit busy times. These Sundays seem to build a sense of community. So do these many Substacks, and I am so grateful for each one, especially including this one, and for their hosts or creators, and the many kind people who comment.
K people...hold the line of non-violence; the reason Cheetolini is pushing so hard right now: 1) Jack Smith is to testify in public hearing January 30 2) the constant drip of the Epstein files is reaching critical mass 3) his actions in regard to Greenland and the EU are prima facie evidence of TREASON...the end of trump draws nigh...
I have the feeling that all the Greenland stuff is to keep people's mind off all the things trump is doing to provoke circumstances that will allow him to eventually call for martial law and perhaps cancellation or postponement of the November elections.
I really appreciate the clarification here. Thanks! #HOLDFAST
I'm glad it helped with that, Sara. You're welcome. Thank YOU.
#HOLDFAST
-Jack
Well, I'm SOL on this one. I live in Florida. DeSantis is welcoming ICE with open arms. I live in Orlando and in the past 3 days, ICE has ramped up here significantly. Hundreds of hotel rooms reserved. And they have reportedly already found a location for a detention center. I knew they were coming here eventually in mass force. Eventually turned into now.
Stay safe.
Oh, DO it!!!! LOL
Thank you, Jack. Informative and calming as usual. #HOLDFAST
I'm a Minnesotan and support Governor Walz and always have. I know lawsuits have been filed by the attorney general but in your research, do you see the governor initiating any of these additional items? I know there has been talk of calling up the Guard