What We’re Watching - 6/27/25
With so much going on, it is understandable for people to feel news whiplash. To help our partners stay focused and find the signal in the noise, we are happy to share what we are tracking this month:
The Main Point: The resilience of American democracy is being tested—from congressional hearings targeting NGOs to military deployments overriding state authority and violent attacks on elected officials.
Some Examples:
The drumbeat against NGOs continues - A House DOGE Subcommittee hearing amplified false claims that NGOs misuse federal HHS funding for human trafficking and illegal immigration. Conspiracy theories linking NGOs to "money laundering" are fueling calls to defund vital programs. Check out our one-pager on 5 things 501(c)3’s should know to make sure your organization is protected.
Unprecedented military deployments challenge federal-state governance norms - The deployment of National Guard troops and active duty Marines to Los Angeles over state and local objections marks a highly unusual moment in American civic life. These actions raise urgent questions about democratic norms, the balance of power between federal and state governments, and the role of military forces in domestic affairs.
Escalation of targeted political violence against public officials - Following the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and attempted murder of State Senator John Hoffman on June 14th, we're tracking the broader climate of threats and intimidation facing elected officials and civic leaders. While a motive is not yet determined, early reporting suggests this was a targeted attack—once again demonstrating dire consequences when inflammatory rhetoric and political polarization collide.
Why it matters: When the core institutions and norms of democracy come under attack all at once, it creates a perfect storm that threatens what makes our system work. These aren't isolated incidents; they're compounding pressures that make it harder for ordinary people to participate in civic life—to volunteer, trust local leaders, or run for office. The stakes are sky high and extend beyond any single policy or political moment.
Read more from the What We’re Watching archives:
