Memo: The Next Chapter for Demand Justice
To: Demand Justice Board of Directors
From: Josh Orton, President
Re: The Next Chapter for Demand Justice
Date: September 30, 2025
Board Members,
Thank you for your trust in me – I’m honored and excited to lead Demand Justice, Demand Justice Initiative, and Demand Justice PAC at this pivotal moment. As we know, Donald Trump’s presidency threatens the fairness of our judiciary, the right of equal protection for all people, and the rule of law itself.
In his second term, Trump appears determined not just to break the law, but to dismantle it – going after institutions, individuals, and anyone else standing in his way. Far too many law firms, media outlets, universities and others live in fear of retribution if they do not bow to Trump’s wishes. As for federal judicial appointments, Trump’s first criterion appears to be similar to that of a mob boss: loyalty. He is intent on nominating judges, like Emil Bove, who seem most likely to rule in his self-interest, no matter the legality of the case.
Republicans have spent decades bending the judiciary to their will, and Donald Trump now exploits it to his advantage. Unfortunately, we’ve seen largely tepid responses from most Democratic leaders and some Democratically-aligned organizations. Democrats and democratic institutions need to recognize that now is the time to mobilize and push back decisively.
My mandate is clear: to provide bold, creative, strategic, and morally clear leadership that builds power in the fight for our courts and the rule of law.
As I begin this new role, working with our exceptional team, I want to share three top strategic priorities for Demand Justice:
Accountability for Institutions and Elected Officials, Including Senate Democrats
We cannot afford half-measures, especially from our own party. With targeted paid media and grassroots organizing, we will hold everyone, including Senate Democrats, accountable if they fail to meet this moment and demonstrate steadfast opposition to the dismantling and corruption of our legal system, courts, and the rule of law. At the same time, through endorsements and hard-money contributions, we will use our PAC to reward those Democratic candidates and incumbents who take aggressive action to oppose Trump’s nominees and his attacks on the core function of our judiciary. Simply put: our credibility depends on showing that Democrats who shrink from this fight will face consequences.
The Economic Case – Oligarchy and the Courts
Trump’s judges and nominees aren’t just extremists, they are enabling our country’s slide toward Oligarchy and corruption. We’ve seen them consistently side with billionaires and giant corporations, including Elon Musk and multinationals like Amazon, who are crushing workers’ rights and rigging the economy for themselves. The pattern is clear: Judges confirmed in Trump’s first term have deprived workers of overtime pay they deserve, gutted union and organizing rights, slashed consumer safeguards, and tilted the economy in favor of entrenched power. And in turn, giant corporations continue to reward the president and his family financially. By highlighting these stakes, we make the fight over the courts relevant to working people across the country.
Grassroots Organizing and Infrastructure – The Engine of Accountability
The courts may feel abstract to many Americans, but we know how directly they shape people’s lives. Our job is to connect the dots and channel grassroots progressive energy into action. Drawing on my labor background and experience on the Sanders 2020 campaign, in addition to my work at NARAL (now Reproductive Freedom for All), Demand Justice will build organizing capacity that lasts beyond any single confirmation battle.
In the weeks ahead, I will work with staff and allies to operationalize these priorities and prepare for the confirmation fights to come. This will be a defining test not only for the courts, but for the strength of our democracy itself. Demand Justice was created for moments like this – and together, we will meet the challenge.
