In response to the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States, Amol Sinha, Executive Director of the ACLU-NJ, expressed concerns regarding potential risks to rights and liberties. Sinha stated, "Based on President-elect Donald Trump’s previous term, and his escalating rhetoric on the campaign trail this year, it is clear that our rights, liberties, and the future of our democracy are at grave risk."
Sinha highlighted worries about policies outlined in Project 2025 and anticipated a range of challenges to civil rights. He emphasized the importance of state-level action: "It is up to the states to protect and expand our rights and defend against the chaos and destruction of a second Trump administration. And New Jersey must lead the way."
Reflecting on past efforts during Trump's previous term, Sinha noted that New Jersey had implemented protections for reproductive freedom, reduced prison populations, advanced immigrants' rights, and worked towards fairer elections. He affirmed that "the ACLU of New Jersey is committed to doing it again over the next four years and beyond."
The organization plans to counteract attacks on vulnerable communities by pursuing policies that protect democracy, expand voting access, advance racial justice, safeguard immigrant communities, ensure reproductive freedom, and end mass incarceration. During Trump's first administration, the ACLU filed over 400 legal actions nationwide.
Sinha concluded with a commitment to addressing unforeseen threats: "We know there will be unforeseen threats to rights and freedoms over the next four years. We see the pain and despair felt in this moment – the ACLU-NJ and our partners are ready to do all we can to ensure communities thrive and democracy prevails."
