by Ahsan Washington

February 5, 2026

These Iconic Celebrities Stood 10 Toes Down During Civil Rights Movements

They leveraged their fame to fight for justice

Throughout Black history, there have been celebrities who have leveraged their fame to fight for justice. A number of entertainers and athletes have used their influence to fight inequality and support civil rights movements while humanizing these struggles.

Cultural icons who chose conviction over comfort have proven through their actions to be major forces within social progress. When we analyze these figures beyond celebrity, we see how their intentional public influence changed legislation and public opinion to inspire future freedom fighters.

Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder used his voice, songs and visibility as a music legend and civil rights advocate to fight for justice. Through his song “Happy Birthday,” he led a campaign to establish a national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The celebratory track kept King’s dream and mission in the public eye and the call to action pressured Congress. The King holiday became official in 1983, thanks to Wonder’s dedicated efforts.

Harry Belafonte

During the 1950s and 1960s, Harry Belafonte supported the civil rights movement as an award-winning singer, actor and activist. He provided financial support to the movement, took part in major protests, helped with bail for arrested demonstrators and used his celebrity status to back civil rights initiatives in the United States and abroad. Belafonte used his fame to confront and dismantle racial barriers. The famed actor supported liberation movements through action instead of seeking recognition while facing personal and professional setbacks.

Lena Horne

Through her fame as a singer and actor and civil rights advocate, Lena Horne used her platform to fight segregation in the South. At rallies and through her support of the NAACP, she appeared at the 1963 March on Washington to motivate people to fight for equality. Her actions demonstrated how celebrity influence could create social change and disrupt racial inequality.

Jim Brown

In 1967, Jim Brown organized the Cleveland Summit which united leading Black athletes to back Muhammad Ali’s decision to resist the Vietnam draft. Brown established economic empowerment organizations to support the Black community. Brown felt athletes should fulfill responsibilities outside of sports even if doing so puts their careers at risk.

Aretha Franklin

The legendary singer and civil rights supporter Aretha Franklin used her artistic talents and financial resources to fight for justice during the 1960s and 1970s civil rights movement. Franklin performed at movement concerts, provided financial support to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and defended Angela Davis when others hesitated. Franklin stressed the need to challenge existing social order when peace did not respond.

Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali, the world’s most notable heavyweight champion, became a movement icon for refusing to be drafted into the Vietnam War for moral and racial reasons. The choice to reject the draft resulted in Ali losing his best boxing years and facing legal disputes. Ali’s resistance occurred between the 1960s and 1970s during national protests and courtroom proceedings. Ali’s Islamic beliefs connected directly to civil rights activism.

Nina Simone

During the 1960s civil rights era, Nina Simone, a vocalist, pianist and unapologetic civil rights activist, used her music to bring awareness to the nation’s racial issues through songs such as “Mississippi Goddam” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.” Simone’s music exposed injustice and rallied resistance. She transformed her individual suffering into political art through performances in concert halls and demonstrations.

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

February 5, 2026

Lil Jon’s Son, DJ Young Slade, Has Been Reported Missing

'The family is asking for privacy at this time. We are also asking for continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe.'

Sad news coming from Georgia regarding Atlanta music producer Lil Jon’s son, Nathan Smith. The Milton Police Department has put out a missing person alert for Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade.

The 27-year-old entertainer has been reported missing since Feb. 3, as the alert states that he may be in a disoriented state. He has not been seen since he reportedly left his home at 6 a.m. that morning. He did not have his phone on him, and his friends and family are very concerned about his whereabouts.

The police department has described Young Slade as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with brown eyes and short black hair.

People reported that Lil Jon’s publicist has released a statement: “The family is asking for privacy at this time. We are also asking for continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe. Thank you”

Young Slade is the son of Lil Jon and his former wife, Nicole Smith, who were married from 2004 until their “amicable split” in February 2024. Slade is trying to follow in his father’s footsteps and released a single, “Feels,” last March.

The young DJ was featured last year on MTV’s Family Legacy.

During an interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, he expressed his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps as he finds his own way in the music industry.

“I produce my own beats, I record and mix my own songs. In the future, that’s what I plan to do. Just rapping, singing… and just creating my own sound, creating my own genre, creating my own fan base,” he said. “Just trying to do something different that nobody’s done before.”

The Milton Police Department asks anyone with information or who has seen Slade or knows his whereabouts to contact the non-emergency Milton Police dispatch line at 678-297-6300, option 1.

by Jameelah Mullen

February 5, 2026

Sparkle Shuts Down Grooming Allegations, Says She Tried To Shield Niece From R. Kelly

Sparkle’s niece, Reshona Landfair, alleges her aunt was partly responsible for her abuse in a new memoir.

R&B singer Sparkle, a former R. Kelly protégé, is speaking out against new allegations from her niece, Reshona Landfair, who claims she was groomed and abused by Kelly as a teenager. Landfair asserts that her aunt, whose real name is Stephanie Edwards, played a role in introducing her to Kelly and her subsequent abuse.

Landfair is the 14-year-old girl in the sexually explicit video that became key evidence in his federal court case. Kelly was later convicted on several charges, including child pornography, bribery, sex trafficking, and multiple Mann Act violations. The singer was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

In her memoir Who’s Watching Shorty?: Reclaiming Myself from the Shame of R. Kelly’s Abuse, Landfair accuses her aunt Sparkle of encouraging her to get closer to R. Kelly. According to Landfair, the encounter led to years of physical and mental abuse.

Sparkle, who is best known for her 1998 duet with Kelly, “Be Careful,” responded to the allegations on Instagram.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sparkle (Stephanie Edwards) (@isparklei)

“Any suggestion that I groomed, facilitated, or enabled harm to my niece is untrue and deeply painful, especially given my documented history at the time and throughout,” the R&B singer wrote.

She explained that after discovering her niece was spending time with Kelly unsupervised, she contacted DCFS and cooperated with authorities. She also mentioned that she testified against Kelly in his 2008 child pornography case, even though she was advised not to. Sparkle said she testified against the disgraced musician because she prioritized her niece’s safety over her career.

The singer sent her niece well wishes and mentioned that Landfair might still be trying to understand what happened to her and who could be responsible for the harm.

“I wish her continued healing and peace as she continues to not only find her voice, but hopefully require accountability from those closest to her.”

Released on Feb 3, 2005, Who’s Watching Shorty? Reclaiming Myself from the Shame of R. Kelly’s Abuse is available for purchase in audio or hard copy formats.

by Kandiss Edwards

February 5, 2026

Family Of ‘Blind Side’ Actor Quinton Aaron Says His Wife Is Illegally Making Medical Decisions

Allegedly, Aaron married Margarita in a ceremony that emphasized spiritual commitment rather than legal formalities.

The family of Quinton Aaron, best known for his role in The Blind Side, claims his “wife” is making medical decisions for him and has no legal authority to do so, as the marriage is not official.

Allegedly, Aaron married Margarita in a ceremony that emphasized spiritual commitment rather than legal formalities. The Aaron family released a statement that detailed their concerns about Margarita’s involvement in Quinton’s care.

“Since the health crisis of our beloved family member Quinton Aaron, we have raised some suspicions about the legitimacy of Quinton and Margarita’s marriage to each other, as well as her legitimacy as a registered nurse. We have found some alarming details,” the statement read.

In a statement to US Weekly, Aaron’s family gave a warning to unnamed individuals who continue to insert themselves into the actor’s medical affairs. Along with the warning comes the threat of legal action.

“If there continues to be indications of, or individuals who speak about his condition without consent, which violates HIPAA laws, we strongly urge you not to, because there will be legal repercussions.”

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/9erMUHYBr0
— Quinton Aaron (@QuintonAaron) September 29, 2025

TMZ reached out to Margarita for clarification about her marital status and her involvement in his medical treatment. Margarita claims she has made no medical decisions on his behalf. She also clarified that her union did not involve a marriage license filed with the state. At the time of their nuptials, the focus of their commitment remained on their personal beliefs and faith rather than legal stipulations.

Quinton’s cousin Asia also alleged that Margarita has been married to another man “for 34 years.” Asia told Us Weekly, “I spoke to her real legal husband myself.”

Margarita did not comment on the allegations that she is legally married to another man. The controversy comes only days after the star collapsed and was placed on life support after suffering a spinal stroke. On Jan. 29, his family revealed “he is alert, aware, and recovering.”

Elevate Your Excellence, Teyana Taylor, Harlem

by Keka Araújo

February 5, 2026

Elevate Your Excellence: Exalting The Renaissance Of Harlem’s Favored Rose, Teyana Taylor

Taylor has navigated moments of industry skepticism to emerge as a singular, undisputed force.

Teyana Taylor’s ascent from the gritty, high-fashion streets of Harlem to the apex of the 2026 awards season is not merely a career trajectory; it is an orchestrated masterclass in creative sovereignty.

Fresh off a Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actress in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, Taylor has effectively dismantled the “multihyphenate” label, replacing it with the stature of a bona fide auteur.

With a BAFTA nomination recently added to her burgeoning trophy mantle, Taylor finds herself at the center of a global cinematic reckoning. Critics have lauded her portrayal of Perfidia Beverly Hills as a transformative performance that bridges the gap between her raw New York roots and the sophisticated demands of prestige film.

Born Dec. 10, 1990, Taylor’s journey began under the tutelage of industry titans. By age 15, she was already a foundational force, choreographing for Beyoncé and signing to Pharrell Williams’ Star Trak imprint. While the public first met her through the lens of MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen, her internal drive was always geared toward a more substantial legacy.

From her early “Google Me” insolence to her haunting, soulful contributions to Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Taylor has consistently operated at a high level of artistry. Her transition into the GOOD Music era produced the critically acclaimed VII and the Grammy-nominated The Album, solidifying her as a vanguard of contemporary R&B.

In 2026, Taylor is no longer just the muse; she is the architect. Through her production company, The Aunties Inc., she has redefined the visual language of music videos, earning BET’s Video Director of the Year twice. Her upcoming feature directorial debut, Get Lite, for Paramount, marks a pivotal shift from being in front of the lens to commanding the entire frame.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Portia Black (@portiablackcasting)

Responding to an incredible 14 BAFTA nominations for One Battle After Another, Taylor expressed the immense depth of the milestone for her via Instagram, “I’m on this flight in tearssssssss! 14 @bafta nominations for One Battle After Another!!!! My heart is so full.
This film, this family, this journey. None of it is lost on me. Leo, Chase, Sean, Benicio, Regina, our entire cast, crew… Pam, Mike, Sara, Cassandra, WB fam & our beloved Adam. We poured so much love into this work, and to feel it embraced across the world is incredibly humbling. And Paul… our fearless leader! “

The acclaimed multihyphenate continued, “Thank you for your vision, your trust, and the care you poured into every frame. I carry endless love and gratitude for you. To be seen, honored, and supported at every stop along this journey is something I receive with deep humility and gratitude, with all glory to God!”

“Thank you, @bafta, and everyone across the pond for the love, the care, and your devotion to film. Sharing our stories on a global stage like this is a blessing I don’t take lightly or for granted AT ALL! See you in London!”

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A post shared by Jimmy Neutch (@teyanataylor)

Taylor’s influence extends into the mechanical and the aesthetic. She famously holds the record for the fastest-selling sneakers in Adidas Originals history with her 2013 Harlem GLCs, a feat of market dominance that mirrors her current box-office appeal. As she prepares to star opposite Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in Netflix’s The Rip, Taylor’s 888-level work ethic continues to manifest in tangible, record-breaking success.

From the intensive care of her fitness brand “Fade 2 Fit” to her nuanced performances in A Thousand and One and Coming 2 America, Taylor has navigated moments of industry skepticism to emerge as a singular, undisputed force.

With upcoming roles in Ryan Murphy’s All’s Fair and the Netflix thriller Straw, Taylor’s schedule reflects a woman who has successfully integrated every facet of her talent.

She remains the quintessential Harlem success story—a Trinidadian-American baddie who stepped into the spotlight and returned with a crown.

colored school, historic marker, Florida

by Kandiss Edwards

February 5, 2026

Georgia Legislature Banned Phones In Middle Schools, Says High Schools Are Up Next

Under the parameters of the bill, School districts will have the authority to determine how the policy is enforced.

On Jan. 28, the Georgia House proposed a bill to ban the use of cellphones in public high schools.

Legislation to restrict cellphone use in Georgia public high schools has advanced in the state legislature and has been filed with the Georgia General Assembly, according to reporting by WABE.

The proposal, House Bill 1009, would require local school districts to adopt policies limiting student access to personal electronic devices during the instructional day at public high schools. The bill follows earlier legislation that addressed cellphone use in elementary and middle schools, according to the bill language posted on the General Assembly’s website.

According to WABE, House Bill 1009 moved forward after clearing a legislative committee. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton, a Republican from Peachtree Corners. Under the bill’s parameters, School districts will have the authority to determine how the policy is enforced. Rep. Hilton said the bill is popular amongst educators and other education professionals.

“The response we got back was overwhelming from teachers, administrators, and, really, more importantly, parents, who loved the idea and wanted to see us expand it to high school,” Hilton said.

HAPPENING NOW: A subcommittee of the Georgia House Education committee is holding the first hearing on House Bill 1009, which would ban cell phones and other devices in public high schools starting with the 2027-2028 school year. #gapol

Learn more here: https://t.co/jxzbjusJ2D pic.twitter.com/X9xtoAAiUI
— Rahul Bali (@rahulbali) February 2, 2026

The bill’s text states that local boards of education would be responsible for adopting and implementing rules governing the possession and use of personal electronic devices by high school students. The legislation does not specify penalties for violations, leaving enforcement decisions to individual school systems.

During the discussion of the bill, lawmakers raised questions about implementation, including how schools would manage emergencies and extracurricular activities. The article reported that the proposal is part of a broader legislative effort to reduce distractions in classrooms. Hilton says that though there will be bumps in the road, the change will be well worth the initial implementation hassle.

“It’s an adjustment, you know, and at first, it’s like any culture change,” he said. “It’s gonna take an adapting, but the benefits far outweigh the pain of that change,” Hilton said.

House Bill 340 has not yet passed and remains under consideration in the Georgia General Assembly, where it must undergo additional committee review and votes before it can be sent to Gov. Kemp for final consideration. If the bill reaches the governor’s desk, it is likely to pass, as Gov. Kemp did not hesitate to sign a similar middle school device ban into law.

by Jeroslyn JoVonn

February 5, 2026

Rev. Jordan Wells Boycotting Super Bowl Over Bad Bunny Halftime Performance

Rev. Jordan Wells is among the conservatives boycotting the Super Bowl in protest of Bad Bunny's halftime performance.

Rev. Jordan Wells is among the conservatives set to boycott Super Bowl LX over Bad Bunny’s halftime performance.

In a Feb. 2 appearance on TMZ Live, avid Kansas City Chiefs fan Rev. Wells explained that his Super Bowl boycott has nothing to do with his team missing the big game. Instead, Wells joined a growing conservative chorus criticizing the NFL’s choice of Bad Bunny for the halftime show. Especially following the artist’s “ICE Out” comment during the previous night’s Grammys, Wells sees Bad Bunny as proof of a “divisive” agenda he thinks the NFL is supporting, arguing that the singer’s calls for love were overshadowed by a political message he finds inappropriate for the Super Bowl stage.

“When I was growing up, we never even talked about the Super Bowl and politics. It was the one thing as Americans that caused us all to unite,” Wells said. “Whether it was racism or the Civil Rights Movement, it was always the Super Bowl where we weren’t Black, we weren’t white. We weren’t Democrats. We weren’t Republicans. We were American.”

Good morning and Happy Monday to everyone who appreciated Bad Bunny's very real and heartfelt appeal to humanity, "ICE out… We're not savage. We're not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans."

Looking forward to his halftime show!pic.twitter.com/DZs2lBJkZo
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) February 2, 2026

According to Wells, Bad Bunny has traded entertainment for activism, using his platform in a way that Wells believes unfairly vilifies those who support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the country.

“If you are going to be on a platform that big, like Michael Jackson, like Prince, like the others, they stayed out of politics. You should not be a person who wants to demonize half of the country,” he quipped.

“Americans are tired of celebrities that make $20 million a year telling us that we are bad people because Middle America, Southern American wants secure borders, and we want our immigration enforced. We’re tired of it,” he added.

While the reverend maintains that the football field is no place for political agendas, he fears that selecting Bad Bunny has already made this year’s halftime show more political than it should be.

“I expect this Super Bowl to be the most political Super Bowl we have ever seen, because of who they picked and because of how the NFL has handled that,” he added.

Wells also thinks the NFL is sending a message of support to those who agree with Bad Bunny’s “ICE Out” agenda.

“The NFL is obviously sending a message to half of the country that voted for Trump that ‘We don’t care how you feel. We don’t care what you think,'” he said.

Roger Goodell hears Bad Bunny scream "ICE OUT" at the Grammys, rumors swirl he's planning to rock a dress for LGBTQ icons, knows his music's full of demonic vibes, watched him clown NFL fans on SNL for not speaking Spanish… and STILL insists the Halftime Show will "unite… pic.twitter.com/evvwUHmLdt
— Reverend Jordan Wells (@WellsJorda89710) February 3, 2026

Wells’ criticism stands in direct opposition to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who recently reaffirmed his support for Bad Bunny and praised him as “one of the great artists in the world,” saying he will use the Super Bowl stage to unite viewers.

“Bad Bunny is, and I think that was demonstrated last night, one of the great artists in the world, and that’s one of the reasons we chose him,” Goodell told reporters.

“But the other reason is he understood the platform he was on and that this platform is to use to unite people and to be able to bring people together with their creativity, with their talents, and to be able to use this moment to do that,” he continued. “I think artists in the past have done that. I think Bad Bunny understands that, and I think he’ll have a great performance.”

Homelessness, Los Angeles, homeless, VA, veterans

by Mitti Hicks

February 5, 2026

HHS Announces $100M Investment To Tackle Homelessness And Substance Use

The department is calling the initiative STREETS (Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Supports). The program is part of President Donald Trump’s new Great American Recovery Initiative.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says it will invest $100 million to tackle homelessness, combat substance abuse, and improve public safety through treatment-focused recovery programs.

The department is calling the initiative STREETS (Safety Through Recovery, Engagement, and Evidence-based Treatment and Supports). The program is part of President Donald Trump’s new Great American Recovery Initiative. Trump said the initiative will help the government, the healthcare sector, faith communities, and the private sector coordinate more effectively to address the crisis.

STREETS aims to connect people struggling with addiction and homelessness to treatment, housing, and long-term recovery. According to Fox News, the program will provide targeted outreach, psychiatric care, medical stabilization, and crisis intervention.

“Addiction begins in isolation and ends in reconnection,” HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in Monday’s announcement. Kennedy is co-chair of the Great American Recovery Initiative.

He continued, “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump, we are bringing Americans suffering from addiction out of the shadows and back into the community.”

Trump Administration Plans To Partner With Faith-Based Organizations To Combat Homelessness, Crime

The announcement criticized the Biden administration for its “misguided” policies that he claims failed to address the crisis. He said Biden-era polices that prioritized housing first and harm reduction were ineffective and enabled drug use.

“[These polices] were never intended to support people in their recovery to lead productive lives in their communities,” read the press release.

In addition to the $100 million investment, Kennedy announced a $10 million Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) program to support adults with serious mental illnesses. AOT is a civil court-ordered, community-based outpatient mental health treatment program.

According to HHS, these programs have been known to reduce hospitalizations, lower incarceration rates, and homelessness.

While Kennedy did not specify who would lead the AOT program, he stressed that the Trump administration would expand partnerships with faith-based recovery organizations.

“This is a chronic disease, it’s a physical disease, it’s a mental disease, it’s an emotional disease, but above all, it’s a spiritual disease, and we need to recognize that, and faith-based organizations play a critical role, and again, helping people reestablish their connections to community,” said Kennedy.

by Mitti Hicks

February 5, 2026

New York Attorney General Will Send Observers To Monitor Immigration Raids

James's announcement comes as the Trump administration plans to increase immigration enforcement nationwide.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a new initiative to send legal observers to monitor immigration enforcement statewide.

Trained personnel will observe and document immigration activity as part of the Legal Observation Project. These legal observers in New York will collect reports of immigration enforcement actions happening throughout the state, serve as neutral witnesses on the ground, and record information that may “inform legal action,” James announced Tuesday.

Her announcement comes as the Trump administration plans to increase immigration enforcement nationwide. It also comes amid public scrutiny and protests happening nationwide after federal immigration agents shot and killed two American citizens in Minneapolis, Renee Good and Alex Pretti. People nationwide have criticized the use of excessive force by immigration officers.

“We have seen in Minnesota how quickly and tragically federal operations can escalate in the absence of transparency and accountability,” said James. “My office is launching the Legal Observation Project to examine federal enforcement activity in New York and whether it remains within the bounds of the law.”

DHS Accuses New York Attorney General of Supporting Sanctuary City Laws

According to the New York Times, Department of Homeland Security Spokesperson, Tricia McLaughlin, accused James of backing sanctuary-city laws that the department said have prohibited cooperation between immigration agents and state and city law enforcement agencies, particularly in jails. The attorney general’s office, however, does not enact these laws. City and county leaders do.

“ICE law enforcement wouldn’t have to be in the field in New York if we had state and local cooperation,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “Letitia James is not letting that happen, which puts New Yorkers in danger.”

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill, especially Democrats, are calling for Trump to scale back his mass deportation operations. They’re also calling for tighter restrictions, such as requiring immigration agents to wear body cameras and mandating that agents show their faces rather than wear masks.

by Sharelle B. McNair

February 4, 2026

Lies Detected: Congress Never Approved ‘Kill Switch’ Law To Remotely Shut Down Vehicles

Essentially, the bill does not give any government control to host remote "kill switches" or permit automakers from giving government access to anyone's car.

This is why everyone should be cautious in what they believe on social media, as Republican leaders spread false rumors that the U.S. Congress passed a “kill switch” legislation that would “remotely” shut vehicles down, Snopes reports.

Rumors spread online in January 2026 that Congress had passed a bill known as the ‘‘Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’’ that would allow the government to shut off cars whenever it pleased. The rumor seemingly started with Texas’s 3rd District Rep. Keith Self, who, on Jan. 22, referred to a vote as “unbelievably disturbing” with claims that “57 House Republicans just joined almost all the Democrats to ensure the government can shut off your car whenever it wants.”

Then, Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis jumped in with a repost. “The idea that the federal government would require auto manufacturers to equip cars with a ‘kill switch’ that can be controlled by the government is something you’d expect in Orwell’s 1984, and yet…,” the failed presidential candidate wrote.

The idea that the federal government would require auto manufacturers to equip cars with a “kill switch” that can be controlled by the government is something you’d expect in Orwell’s 1984, and yet… https://t.co/B1KtC5gNbb
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 23, 2026

However, that isn’t the case.

What Self and DeSantis were referring to was a failed 2026 plan to stop a signed 2021 bipartisan bill under the Biden-Harris Administration that would require the automotive industry to install technology to identify the effects of drunken driving and “prevent or limit motor vehicle operation” upon detection.

Essentially, the bill does not grant the government control to host remote “kill switches” or permit automakers to give the government access to anyone’s car. But under Section 24220, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is expected to mandate “advanced impaired-driving prevention technology” in all new passenger vehicles.

While some may see the legislation as a way to keep drunk drivers off the road, lawmakers have raised constitutional alarms. According to CBT News, there won’t be a requirement for breathalyzers or law enforcement involvement. Just judgment made by the technology. There is also the issue of drivers overcoming the lockout, as there are no parameters for how drivers will get out of what critics call “kill switch jail.”

The critique was started by fellow Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who posted criticism on X. “When your car shuts down because it doesn’t approve of your driving, how will you appeal your roadside conviction?” he wrote Jan. 21.

The looming Orwellian automobile kill switch deadline threatens civil liberties. When your car shuts down because it doesn't approve of your driving, how will you appeal your roadside conviction?

I’ve offered an amendment this week to defund this federal mandate. pic.twitter.com/bhAM9CzSbW
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) January 21, 2026

Ultimately, 57 Republican and 211 Democratic members of Congress voted against Massie’s calls for an amendment to block the drunken-driving detection technology mandate and any federal spending on Section 24220 enforcement.

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