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Good afternoon,
Over the weekend, massive anti-DOGE protests against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk erupted in cities and small towns across the United States. Washington, D.C. and New York City were filled with more than 100,000 protesters. Even towns as small as Republic, Washington – population 992 – saw residents take to the streets. People in all corners of America took a stand against the Trump administration's heinous policies, everything from tariffs to immigration and beyond. While there is a long road ahead, this past weekend's events brought One Country Project hope that the American people recognize the crisis at hand and are making their voices heard. Check out this map to see where all the "Hands Off" protests took place.
Here are a few important updates...
WEATHERING THE STORM
In addition to the unconstitutional gutting of federal agencies and the latest political turmoil stirred up by Trump and his billionaire besties, natural disasters in the U.S. have been unrelenting. Communities are still reeling from Hurricane Helene and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency over the weekend after an unprecedented amount of rain and flooding in the state. With no sign of extreme weather slowing down in the country, the Trump administration has announced its plans to dismantle the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program (BRIC), the largest climate adaptation initiative the federal government has ever funded. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responds to natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, but also has programs "that send billions of dollars to communities, municipalities, and states proactively so that they can prepare for these events before they hit."
Rather than recognizing the very real climate crisis at hand and supporting proactive programs to equip communities across the country for disaster, the Trump administration continues to rip away critical resources. BRIC was established during President Trump's first term and replaced a similar FEMA initiative. Eliminating this program would go against a law that Congress passed, making this action unconstitutional. It's time to weather the storm and hold this out-of-control administration accountable.
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Each week, this newsletter highlights what's going on in rural states, counties, and communities, and what One Country Project is up to around the country. If you value this content, please consider donating to One Country Project. Your contribution supports our efforts to connect with rural voters and to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
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TAXING EVERYONE'S PATIENCE
President Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs are certainly taxing everyone's patience. One of the core pillars of Trump's presidential campaign was tax reduction and cutting red tape for business owners. However, it seems like many Americans, including small business owners, are not seeing results or experiencing the changes they were promised. NPR highlights business owner Sarah Wells (who sells breast-pump backpacks and other items for new moms) and the impact tariffs have on her company. Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports have had a negative impact on Wells' business and may cause her to raise her prices. ABC News quoted Wendy Brugh, owner of Dry Ridge Farm in Marshall, North Carolina, who commented on President Trump's tariffs saying it was like "pouring salt in a wound that is just now beginning to heal." Brugh went on to say that tariffs will increase the costs of many vital resources and materials hitting the farming community when it's already down and still recovering from Hurricane Helene.
Small business owners are not shying away from making their frustrations and worries heard. Trump's massive tariffs and sweeping changes to the federal government continue to have an unsettling ripple effect across the country. Amid so much uncertainty, it is important to look to the future and lean on community. Through meaningful conversations, bold action, and true accountability, we will get through these times.
NUMBER OF THE WEEK
18.3%: The percentage of all adults between age 19 and 64 who live in rural America and are on Medicaid.
It's clear that rural America heavily relies on Medicaid and Medicare. Cutting either of these programs will have massive consequences to rural well-being and local economies. Take a deeper look at rural America's dependence on these programs here.
- 12:01am EDT – The start of "Liberation Day" and the implementation of "reciprocal" tariffs.
- June 5, 2025 – The deadline for grant applications for the Market Access Program (MAP), Foreign Market Development Program (FMD), Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops Program (TASC), and Emerging Markets Program (EMP). These programs help domestic producers find international markets.
WHAT WE'RE READING
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