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This is Trump & Elon Watch: Black America's Weekly Need-to-Know.
Each week, BIN will break down the latest actions of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk— whether it’s political maneuvering, economic policies, social media shake-ups, or attacks on democracy. We’ll examine what’s happening, why it matters, and — most importantly — how Black America is impacted. No fluff. No fear-mongering. Just facts. Every breakdown is designed to be a resource—a guide to help Black America navigate these uncertain times. Because if history has taught us anything, knowledge is power.
This week, we’re diving into the latest developments affecting our community — from the Republican-led spending bill that could gut essential social programs, to Elon Musk’s push to slash Social Security, and the fight against environmental racism in Memphis. Here’s what you need to know.
Trump’s HUD Secretary Cuts Key Fair Housing Rule, Advocates Warn of Deeper Segregation
Photo: Getty Images
What’s Happening?
Scott Turner, Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), announced that he is ending the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule as part of an effort to cut “costly red tape” within the federal government.
AFFH, introduced during the Obama administration, required states and localities to demonstrate they were taking steps to implement fair housing policies and eliminate housing discrimination by answering a series of questions and submitting planning reports. Without the rule, local governments only need to certify that they are “affirmatively furthering fair housing,” and that certification “will be deemed sufficient.”
“Local and state governments understand the needs of their communities much better than bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. Terminating this rule restores trust in local communities and property owners while protecting America’s suburbs and neighborhood integrity,” Turner said in a statement announcing the AFFH repeal.
How Are We Impacted?
While Turner claims the move benefits local communities, affordable housing experts warn that the repeal could allow jurisdictions to exclude certain groups, including Black people, from their neighborhoods.
“When you remove these affirmative protections, you see a resurgence of segregation,” said Erin Boggs, executive director of the Open Communities Alliance in Connecticut. “You’ll probably see continued and maybe deepened disinvestment [in] communities of color.”
The rhetoric of “local control” was previously used during the Civil Rights era by segregationists who argued that they knew best how to run their institutions, often as a means of resisting desegregation.
What Can Be Done?
As Trump’s administration continues restructuring federal agencies, affordable housing advocates may need to focus their efforts on state-level legislation.
“There are all kinds of things states can do... Several states have already passed their own affirmatively furthering fair housing legislation, which could happen in any state across the country,” Boggs said.
Individuals can also support the National Fair Housing Alliance in its efforts to challenge the repeal of AFFH.
Education Department Announces Nearly 50% Workforce Cut
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What’s Happening?
On Tuesday (March 11), the Department of Education announced plans to cut nearly 50% of its workforce as part of Trump’s broader effort to dismantle the federal agency.
The department, which currently employs 4,133 workers, will be slashed to approximately 2,183 employees.
How Are We Impacted?
The Department of Education has historically provided job opportunities for Black Americans due to federal protections against discriminatory hiring. The agency is also responsible for enforcing non-discrimination policies in schools. If dismantled, Black students could face reduced protections in the classroom.
Additionally, federal financial aid, student loan programs, and Pell Grants—which are administered through the Department of Education—are at risk due to the cuts.
"Let's be clear: the Dept. of Ed. provides resources to 26 million children living in high-poverty school districts, Pell Grants to over 7 million students, and funding for millions of children with disabilities. Closing its doors would be a disaster for working-class families,” Sen. Bernie Sanders said.
What Can Be Done?
Completely dismantling the Department of Education requires congressional approval. Trump would need 60 votes in the Senate, making it unlikely that enough Democrats would support the move.
Individuals can contact their elected officials to voice concerns and advocate for keeping the Department of Education intact.
Elon Musk Expands AI Facility in Memphis, Raising Environmental Concerns
Photo: Getty Images
What’s Happening?
A facility for Elon Musk’s X platform’s AI chatbot, "Grok," is expanding in South Memphis, raising concerns over hazardous pollution in predominantly Black neighborhoods.
To meet its energy demands, the xAI facility is using methane gas turbines, which emit hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde and contribute to ground-level ozone pollution. Reports indicate that xAI is operating the turbines without proper permits.
How Are We Impacted?
South Memphis has a long history of environmental racism. The area’s cancer rate is four times higher than the national average, and residents experience elevated asthma rates and a life expectancy 10 years lower than the rest of the city.
"Every day those turbines are operating, they are polluting the air and doing significant harm to families in South Memphis," attorney Amanda Garcia said.
What Can Be Done?
Residents have launched a petition calling for Musk's xAI facility to be removed from Memphis, citing environmental racism.
“This facility will have a detrimental impact not just on South Memphians, but on all Memphians,” said Hailey Thomas, a local resident who launched the “Push the Supercomputer Out of Memphis” petition last month.
Residents are urging city and county officials to push for the facility to transition to cleaner energy sources and are calling on xAI to engage directly with impacted community members.
Musk Eyes Social Security & Benefit Programs for Cuts, Citing Widespread Fraud
Photo: Getty Images
What’s Happening?
Elon Musk is pushing for cuts to Social Security and other federal benefit programs, claiming that widespread fraud is draining resources. Musk's comments, which align with conservative efforts to reduce government spending, suggest that entitlement programs should be scaled back to prevent abuse.
His remarks come amid ongoing Republican efforts to privatize or reduce Social Security, Medicare, and other safety-net programs. These programs provide financial assistance to millions of Americans, particularly low-income communities, seniors, and people with disabilities.
How Are We Impacted?
Cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and other federal benefits would disproportionately hurt Black Americans, who rely on these programs at higher rates due to historical and systemic economic disparities.
- Social Security is a financial lifeline for many Black retirees, who, on average, have less generational wealth and lower lifetime earnings due to wage gaps and job discrimination.
- Black Americans experience higher rates of disability, making cuts to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicare especially devastating for those in need of medical care and financial support.
- Black families are more likely to depend on survivor benefits, which assist the children and spouses of deceased workers. Any reduction in these benefits could push more families into poverty.
- Claims of “widespread fraud” have historically been used to justify cuts to programs that disproportionately serve Black and low-income communities, despite little evidence of large-scale abuse.
What Can Be Done?
Musk’s call for cuts to essential benefits is part of a larger push to dismantle social safety nets, which would leave millions of vulnerable Americans at risk, especially Black communities that rely on these programs for financial stability. Speaking out and pushing for policy protections is key to ensuring these benefits remain intact.
Government Shutdown Averted But At A Cost
Photo: Getty Images
What's Happening?
As the Friday (March 14) deadline to fund the federal government approached, the Senate faced a critical decision to prevent a government shutdown. The House had passed a Republican-led spending bill that proposed cuts to non-defense spending by $13 billion while increasing defense spending by $6 billion. This bill granted the Trump administration significant discretion over fund allocation, raising concerns among Democrats about potential misuse, such as redirecting funds from combating fentanyl to mass deportation efforts and imposing cuts on DC’s budget.
In the last hours, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer chose to support the bill to avert a shutdown, arguing that a shutdown would empower Trump and Musk to push their agenda unchecked. Schumer stated that avoiding a shutdown was crucial to keeping focus on opposing Trump's policies, according to Politico.
Schumer's decision led to significant backlash within the Democratic Party. Progressive members and activists criticized Schumer's move, calling it the "Schumer surrender." Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez described the decision as a "huge slap in the face."
How Are We Impacted?
The passing of the spending bill has several implications, particularly for marginalized communities:
- Social Programs: The $13 billion cut in non-defense spending could lead to reductions in social services that many Black communities rely on, including housing assistance, education, and healthcare programs.
- Immigration Policies: The administration's ability to redirect funds may result in increased deportation efforts, which can disproportionately impact Black immigrants and their families.
- DC Budget Cuts: The bill includes provisions that could force budgetary cuts in the District of Columbia, a city with a significant Black population, potentially affecting public services and infrastructure.
What Can Be Done?
Communicate with elected representatives to express concerns about the allocation of federal funds and advocate for equitable distribution that considers the needs of marginalized communities.
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