“From cabinet nominees, to policy proposals, to a Supreme Court justice nominee, it’s clear that NCJW’s priorities are under threat in the Trump Administration. Indeed the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency have been marked by rollbacks of programs and policies that benefit women and children, attempts to impose draconian immigration and refugee restrictions both on those needing assistance and those offering help, and cuts to much needed domestic spending, including outright elimination of some programs. His latest enterprise — an outline of a tax overhaul — rewards the very rich and is of negligible help to middle class families.

“Among President Trump’s cabinet appointments hostile to longstanding civil rights policy is the most right-wing attorney general in the modern era. Jeff Sessions is opposed to laws protecting the right to vote; reproductive rights; and the rights of immigrants, refugees, and Muslims. Sessions also pledges to roll back efforts to reform police practices and to end racial profiling in the administration of justice. Trump’s appointment of Rep. Tom Price to be Secretary of Health and Human Services elevates an enemy of universal health care who does not believe the mission of the department he now leads. In the US House of Representatives, Price was instrumental in the effort to cripple Planned Parenthood and repeal the Affordable Care Act.

“Most dangerously, Trump’s appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court tilts the court against women, working people, students with disabilities, victims of discrimination, and other disadvantaged communities. Not only does Gorsuch display no understanding of the situation of average Americans, he supports dismantling the rules and regulations that undergird countless federal programs that have benefited ordinary Americans from the New Deal onward.

“Trump’s actions have been met with deep concerns on the part of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW). Beginning with the Women’s March on the first full day of Trump’s presidency and continuing with countless marches, demonstrations, and town hall meetings around the country, NCJW members have shown up to express their opposition. This activism has helped prevent President Trump and Congress from dismantling the Affordable Care Act and depriving 24 to 30 million people of health insurance. The courts have prevented implementation of his Muslim travel ban and campaign against sanctuary cities. But looming large is the tax proposal which will benefit corporations and the wealthiest citizens and do nothing for the middle-class and low-wage workers. NCJW will continue to monitor and oppose regulatory and legislative initiatives designed to abandon the social policy advances made over the last century.”

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