September 2025

• Ukraine's War of Survival

  The relationship between President Trump and President Zelensky was contentious during Trump’s first term especially as Trump wanted stronger ties with Putin. This would lead to Trump’s first impeachment, which centered on Ukraine. Even out of office during the start of Ukraine Invasion in 2022 and Biden’s Presidency, his influence on Republicans would cause aid to be slowed down. Trump has promised to end the war in Ukraine (along with Gaza) quickly, he and his administration has failed to do so. Trump has blamed Ukraine for the conflict, demanded they sign a minerals deal if they want continued US support, and has called Zelensky a dictator.

  Trump met with Putin thinking he could use territorial exchange (against Ukraine’s wishes) but after the meeting found that Russia was not serious about peace. Trump and Zelensky are on slightly better ground now but still shaky with many potential volatilities in the future

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat in the U.S.: Contact your Members of Congress urging them to support Ukraine including sending aid. Say you are not against peace, but it cannot come from the giving in to Russia.

• The Many Vetoes of NC

  Several bills that were vetoed by Governor Stein were overridden, with help from some House Democrats. Large focus was put on Rep. Carla Cunningham [D-Mecklenburg] due to her aggressive speech on HB318 leading to blowback from her Democrat colleagues. Override bills include:

  1. SB254 – Changes oversight structure of charter schools

  2. SB266 – Repeals emissions goal for Duke Energy & allows utilities to increase rates for construction costs

  3. SB416 – Bars public agencies from collecting or releasing information about donors, members, and volunteers

  4. HB193 – Allows employees or volunteers in private schools to carry concealed firearms

  5. HB318 – Requires local sheriffs to comply with ICE ‘detainer’ requests

  6. HB402 – Requires lawmakers to vote on any state regulations that would cost more than $20 million over 5 years

  7. HB549 – Expands state auditor’s ability to investigate publicly funded agencies

  8. HB805 – Recognizes only male and female genders under state law, restricts changing sex designation on birth certificates, and more

  There are still half a dozen bills that have not been overridden that are awating votes in both chambers. The majority are in the House.

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat in the U.S.: Contact House Democrat offices and encourage members to sustain the vetoes for the various bills that have not been overridden.

• Student Walkouts Over Gun Safety

  Nationwide walkouts occurred across schools following the mass shooting in Minneapolis. This includes several schools in Wake County. Students were calling for gun reform

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat in the U.S.: Contact elected official’s offices to support more gun reform. You can also include dealing with mental health, a common Republican redirection.

• Raleigh’s Next Step to Affordable Housing

  Raleigh broke ground on new affordable housing in Idlewild. Would allow families making below the median

  income to get homes at a much lower cost

  ✅ Action Item for a Young Democrat in the U.S.: Contact Raleigh officials and thank them for their work, contact various elected officials and emphasize the need to combat housing crisis.