Trump and Abbott's Texas redistricting proposals denounced as a "poisonous substance to our democracy" by a New York Times columnist
In a recent interview on PBS NewsHour, New York Times columnist David Brooks accused President Donald Trump of ordering Governor Greg Abbott, R-Texas, to metaphorically use "mustard gas" on American democracy through Texas' redistricting efforts. Brooks' analogy, a reference to the harmful impact of the redistricting as an attack on democracy, has sparked controversy and debate.
Texas Republicans, encouraged by the Trump administration, are pursuing a congressional map aimed at adding up to five GOP-leaning districts. This move has been fiercely opposed by Democrats, including those who have fled the Lone Star State to Democratic-stronghold states with the goal of breaking quorum and halting the vote.
Brooks compared Trump's alleged actions in Texas to the use of mustard gas on civilians in World War I, stating that what Trump ordered Abbott to do is "mustard gas on our democracy." The White House and Governor Abbott's office have not issued any direct response to Brooks' claim.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has demanded that Trump abandon the Texas redistricting push, and has threatened a ballot measure response. In a counter-move, Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a plan for a special election in early November to place a redistricting plan on a ballot measure for voters.
If adopted, the California redistricting plan would allow Democrats to temporarily bypass the state's independent redistricting commission and adopt a new congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections. However, Brooks argued that the real losers in this scenario are the voters, as the politicians working on redistricting are "literally disenfranchising people."
Brooks also criticized Newsom for his role in redistricting efforts, stating that he is "destroying our democracy." The columnist asserted that those who oppose gerrymandering are "the ones defending democracy," and warned that the opposing parties' redistricting battle is a "race to the bottom."
Michael Dorgan of our website contributed to this report.
[1] NewsBusters first noticed Brooks' comments on "PBS NewsHour" on Friday. [2] Governor Newsom's counter-redistricting plans were a response to Texas' plans to redistrict their state. [3] California Governor Gavin Newsom and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced a plan for a special election in early November to place a redistricting plan on a ballot measure for voters.
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