With mayor silent, Philly Council will take a stance on Trump
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The names of enslaved people who lived in the President's House are carved into a monument in Independence National Park. Photo: Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images
Philly lawmakers will vote Thursday on a pair of resolutions rebuking President Trump's recent actions.
Why it matters: The measures may be symbolic, but they could raise tensions in today's divided political climate.
- And by taking a stance, city lawmakers stand in contrast to Mayor Cherelle Parker, who has stayed quiet on issues involving the president.
Driving the news: City Council will vote on a resolution that condemns the Trump administration for deploying the National Guard to American cities amid concerns that Philadelphia could be next.
- Another denounces the administration's efforts to remove slavery references from exhibits at several national parks, including at Philly's Independence National Historical Park.
- Parker's office declined Axios' request for comment.
What they're saying: Councilmember Kendra Brooks tells Axios that threatening to send troops is meant to "intimidate and silence" residents, but city lawmakers are countering with their own message:
- "The time is now for us to be loud and clear about what's happening in our country."
Meanwhile, Council President Kenyatta Johnson's resolution accuses the Trump administration of trying to "whitewash, suppress, and rewrite American history" by removing references to slavery from the President's House at Independence Hall.
- The moves stem from a March order in which Trump called for the removal of any national park materials that "inappropriately disparage Americans" — part of a nationwide effort to fight what he deems "corrosive ideology."
- Activists like Philly attorney Michael Coard, who is expected to testify at Thursday morning's meeting, have vowed to save the exhibit.
The big picture: In a left-leaning city, progressive council members often use such resolutions to connect with their base. But they could pose challenges for legislators representing Philly's few conservative enclaves, political analyst Jay McCalla tells Axios.
- Activists from both parties could mobilize against council members if they don't vote the way they want, McCalla says.
- "Somebody might just exploit their vote one way or another to rise up a small army of complainers to challenge them," he adds.
Between the lines: Brooks says she expects her National Guard resolution to pass, but not unanimously.
- More than a dozen of Brooks' colleagues are co-sponsoring the resolution. But it's unclear how some legislators, including Republican Councilmember Brian O'Neill, will vote.
- O'Neill represents Northeast Philly, where some pockets lean more conservative. He didn't return Axios' request for comment.
The bottom line: "People have to use their own moral compass in this decision-making process," Brooks says. "I'll respect that either way."