Smartt Takes: New Moon, New Resistance?

Let's get into it

What Smartt Takes is watching this week:

• Congress returns. After a 2-week recess, Congress is back and the House is racing against the clock to pass a budget bill by Memorial Day (Speaker Mike Johnson’s proposed timeline)

• Russia suggests 72-hr ceasefire with Ukraine starting May 8… to which Ukraine responds— why not now? The U.S., meanwhile, is becoming increasingly frustrated with both countries.

• Canada heads to the polls today as the country’s election has become less of a referendum on former PM Justin Trudeau, and more of a referendum on Trump. Trump, for his part, is still pushing for Canada to become the 51st state.

• Trump ramps up immigration policy. On Monday the president will sign two executive orders to intensify mass immigration policy.

  Order #1: Directs his admin to publish a list of sanctuary cities not in compliance with new federal immigration policy, attempting to apply public pressure.
  
  Order #2: Allows the admin to pursue legal action against state or local officials “obstructing criminal or immigration law enforcement

The orders follow (1) ICE’s escalating deportation raids and (2) the arrest of federal judge Hannah Dugan (both discussed below in further detail).

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Sunday Sit-in

Cory Booker and Hakeem Jeffries staged a sit-in yesterday on the Capitol steps, protesting the congressional Republicans’ proposed budget bill, which, among other things, would cut Medicaid by roughly $880 billion.

This was the first bicameral (both chambers of Congress) sit-in ever, and the second time this month Booker has made history.

The sit-in lasted about 12 hours, and wrapped up peacefully last night after several members of Congress and members of the public joined in and shared stories.

Yesterday also happened to be Cory Booker’s birthday— a Taurus— and a new moon in Taurus peaking yesterday at 3:30 PM EST. The transit landed right on top of his Sun (his purpose and self) — meaning we are getting a glimpse of the new strategy (and faces) of the Democratic resistance.*

Another Taurus Sun getting some spotlight is Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX), who is pitching a “Resistance 2.0” plan for Democrats to respond to Trump, and is quickly rising as a face of the opposition.*

Booker made headlines earlier this month, on April 1 when he broke the longest filibuster record, speaking 25 hours — surpassing Strom Thurmond’s long-held record.

Interestingly, the moon was also in Taurus that day, right on top of Booker’s Mercury (planet of communication/speaking). So, these are moments that have been building up steadily to define this new chapter of resistance.

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Meanwhile, Across Town (& Above):

This past week Mars entered Leo, Trump’s first house, meaning his actions — and the political news cycle— are even more centered around Trump himself.

On April 20, Trump also entered a new peak period (can be good or bad) lasting until about November 11, 2026. The focus shifts from his administration, allies (Elon), and policies towards Trump the man. We can already see the shift: