This Week in Democracy

• CNN hosted the first presidential debate of the year between President Biden and former President Trump. When the questions turned to democracy, Trump lied about the Jan. 6 attack and refused to commit to accepting the results of the November election. Biden, at a Friday rally in North Carolina, acknowledged the post-debate reaction to his performance and emphasized that this election is about larger issues. “The choice in this election is simple,” he said . “Donald Trump will destroy our democracy.”
• The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday ruled that one of the charges levied against hundreds of Jan. 6defendants—including Trump—should be reconsidered by a lower court. The charges will not be immediately dismissed but could affect both ongoing and previously decided cases.
• The U.S. Supreme Court denied Steve Bannon’s request to delay the prison sentence he is facing after being convicted for defying a subpoena from the House Jan. 6 Committee. He must report to prison by July 1.
• In New York, Justice Juan Merchan partially lifted Trump’s gag order . The former president can now talk about the jury and witnesses in his criminal hush money trial but is still barred from disclosing the identities of individual jurors. Trump is also prohibited from commenting about court staff, prosecutors, or their families. The order will remain in effect until Trump’s sentencing, which is scheduled for July 11 .
• States United released an updated guide to social media platforms’ policies about election mis- and disinformation. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the government can contact social media companies to request that misinformation be removed.

?? READ: Our guide to social media policies

Celebrating Pride Month

During Pride Month, we recognize that LGBTQ+ Americans’ contributions in our communities, at the ballot box, and in elected office are vital to our democracy.

This year, for the first time ever, there is at least one LGBTQ+ elected official in every state and in Washington, D.C., according to recent research . And 94 percent of LGBTQ+ registered voters said they were either “definitely” or “probably” going to vote this November, according to a March survey .

Our democracy is at its best when all of us, no matter who we love or how we identify, can make our voice heard. A more inclusive democracy is something we can all take pride in.

In the News

• PBS NewsHour:?How right-wing disinformation is fueling conspiracy theories about the 2024 election

• The Washington Post:?Trump allies test a new strategy for blocking election results

• ?The Washington Post:?Trump allies test a new strategy for blocking election results

• ?The Washington Post (Opinion):?Election denialism isn’t gone. Trump’s backers are probing for weaknesses.

• The New York Times:?Trump Allies Begin First Line of Attack Against Arizona Election Case

• Arizona’s Family:?Arizona GOP official threatens to lynch Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer

• Arizona Mirror:?Another attempt by Lake and Finchem to revive their tabulator case was dismissed

• The Detroit News:?Ex-Michigan GOP chair asks Court of Appeals to overturn her ouster

• Votebeat Pennsylvania:?Right-wing group targets errors in Pennsylvania voter registration records

• Nevada Current:?Appeal not Nevada attorney general’s only option for pursuing fake electors

Recommended Reading?

Joyce Vance,?a former U.S. Attorney and member of States United’s Bipartisan Advisory Board, interviewed States United CEO?Joanna Lydgate?for the latest installment of Five Questions, a special feature of her newsletter, Civil Discourse. The two discussed Project 2025, Trump’s plan to remake the federal government if he wins.?You can read the conversation here and subscribe to Civil Discourse for more?here .

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