LONESTAR — 4.8.2025 — Trump Administration Protestors Gather at the Texas State Capitol — HHS Secretary RFK Jr. Visits Texas

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Texans Protest Elon Musk and Trump Administration at State Capitol

Texans gathered at the State Capitol in Austin to protest the influence of Elon Musk and the actions of the Trump Administration, joining similar demonstrations across the country. The rally, part of the nationwide "Hands Off!" movement, was sparked by Musk’s appointment to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role that has drawn significant criticism. READ MORE.

Rep. Beth Van Duyne: "Tariffs are part of a long term and complex strategy. They are a tool for negotiating, gaining market access for American products, and they will work alongside slashing federal regulations, cutting taxes on working families and small businesses, and American energy dominance to drive a manufacturing renaissance that we need in America."

Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder: "Great Op-Ed today in the @dallasnews by @plesafortexas. As Abbott's school shut-downs barrel forward, so does his voucher scam that will expedite that process even more. Don't let Republicans slam shut the doors of your neighborhood school!"

Rep. Wesley Hunt: "Let's make patriotism cool again. Be proud of our nation - its history, traditions, and the heroes who gave everything for our freedom. I'll never stop speaking out about the greatness of America and the promise she still holds for generations to come."

State Rep. Wes Virdell: "Today, I filed amendments to the proposed SB1 state budget to send unexpended funds from other programs to be directed towards property tax reduction and public school funding. Those amendments will be heard on Thursday in our budget debate. Hopefully, my colleagues will vote for my amendments and help me reduce property taxes and increase public school funding."

Texans Protest Elon Musk and Trump Administration at State Capitol — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Texans gathered at the State Capitol in Austin to protest the influence of Elon Musk and the actions of the Trump Administration, joining similar demonstrations across the country. The rally, part of the nationwide "Hands Off!" movement, was sparked by Musk’s appointment to head the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a role that has drawn significant criticism.

O’Rourke Vows to ‘Fight’ Trump’s ‘Third Term Threat’ — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — Former Texas Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D) is sounding the alarm over what he calls a serious and “unconstitutional” threat to American democracy: President Donald Trump’s (R) alleged intention to once again run for office and secure a third term.

Secretary RFK Jr. Visits Texas Amid Growing Measles Outbreak — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to Gaines County, Texas to offer condolences to families affected by Texas’ growing measles outbreak and to evaluate how federal agencies can better support local efforts to contain the virus.

Plesa Slams Governor Abbott's 'School Closure Crisis' in Op-Ed — By Texas Politics' Daniel Molina — State Rep. Mihaela Plesa (D) has penned an op-ed, taking direct aim at Governor Greg Abbott (R) over school closures in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and accusing him of deliberately underfunding public schools to push his school voucher agenda. In the op-ed, state Rep. Plesa calls Governor Abbott’s education policy a “manufactured, deliberate and devastating” crisis that is destroying schools in Texas.

Governor Abbott and the National Guard Tackle Border Threats with K9 Units — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield — Texas is taking further steps to secure its southern border, with Governor Greg Abbott announcing the collaboration between the Texas National Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) K9 unit. This joint effort aims to enhance border security and address illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities.

Abbott & Cruz Ask DeSantis & Scott to Bet on Florida-Houston Basketball Game — By Texas Politics' Jackson Bakich — Both Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) have called upon their Floridian counterparts, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) to engage in a friendly bet as the Houston Cougars and the Florida Gators play in the NCAA Men's basketball national championship tonight.

Texans Protest Elon Musk and Trump Administration at State Capitol — By Texas Politics' Raeylee Barefield

Abbott's tales don't hide the school closure crisis he created — By State Rep. Mihaela Plesa for The Dallas Morning News

LONESTAR is written by Javier Manjarres and Daniel Molina