American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

Trump Attempts to Fire Federal Election Commission Chair ‘Effective Immediately.’ It’s Not Legal.

February 10, 2025February 10, 2025

After 22 years as a commissioner and chair of the Federal Election Commission, Ellen Weintraub was unceremoniously sacked by President Donald Trump with this terse sentence: “You are hereby removed as a Member of the Federal Election Commission, effective immediately.” But as with several of Trump’s recent actions, it’s not legal.

In WI, State Supreme Court Candidate’s Image Altered by AI in Opponent’s Attack Ad; Election Commission Administrator Targeted by Conspiracy Theorists Allowed to Stay

February 9, 2025February 9, 2025

We’re in Wisconsin today, where a candidate for state supreme court had her image manipulated by AI in an opponent’s attack ad, and the state high court allowed the state’s embattled elections board administrator to stay, after three years of conspiracy-driven attacks by state GOP leaders.

Nebraska & New Hampshire Wrestle with “Winner Take All” and “Winner by District” Presidential Electoral Vote Systems

February 6, 2025February 6, 2025

A New Hampshire Senate bill, just killed in committee, would have moved the state’s four presidential electoral votes to a “Winner by District” system, from “Winner Take All”. Nebraska, the only state besides Maine which apportions its electoral votes by district, is trying to end it.

Will Utah’s Voter-Approved Independent Redistricting Commission and Fair Maps Prevail Over the Legislature’s Attempt to Rig Them?

February 5, 2025February 5, 2025

In 2018, Utah voters approved a ballot initiative establishing an independent redistricting commission to create fair voting districts. The legislature neutralized it, and gerrymandered the maps anyway. It’s now back before a Utah judge.

Could Trump Run for a Third Term? The 22nd Amendment Prohibits it, But a TN Congressman Wants to Repeal It. And There are Loopholes.

February 4, 2025October 29, 2025

In 1944, when Franklin Roosevelt said he would run for a fourth term, discussions began on a Constitutional amendment to limit a U.S. President to two terms in office. In 1951, the 22nd Amendment was ratified. Now, a Tennessee Congressman wants to repeal it. Would it actually be possible for Donald Trump to be President again?