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Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee reflects on the biggest challenges of her first 100 days -- and the ones yet to come

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, August 28th 2025 at 23:58 GMT by East Bay Times
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Oakland’s Progressive Voice Calls Out Trump’s Legacy on the 100‑Day Mark

In a piece that has quickly become a go‑to reference for anyone looking to understand how California’s most outspoken progressive is framing the 100‑day anniversary of former President Donald J. Trump’s tenure, the East Bay Times article “Oakland mayor Barbara Lee 100 days Trump” (published August 28, 2025) charts the congresswoman’s recent remarks, the political context that prompted them, and the reactions that have followed. Although the headline mistakenly refers to Lee as “Oakland mayor,” the article makes it clear that it is, in fact, U.S. Representative Barbara Lee of California’s 13th District – the city’s long‑time champion on issues ranging from criminal‑justice reform to immigration policy.

The core of the article is Lee’s statement released via a video clip hosted on the East Bay Times website and a link to her official campaign page. In the clip, Lee appears on a small stage in Oakland’s historic First Street Market, surrounded by a sea of volunteers and community leaders. She addresses the audience with a blend of historical reference and contemporary urgency, saying:

“Today marks 100 days since we first saw the stark realities of Trump’s presidency in our state—policies that divided us, hurt our immigrants, and threatened the public health and safety of our neighborhoods. It is a sobering reminder that the work we’ve started is not finished.”

Lee frames the 100‑day anniversary as a checkpoint for progress and a critique of Trump’s legacy. She draws a direct line between the policies enacted during his four‑year term—especially those related to immigration, the environment, and policing—and the ongoing challenges faced by Oakland and the wider Bay Area. The article notes that Lee, a founding member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has long opposed the travel ban, the “zero‑tolerance” policy that led to family separations, and the rollback of the Clean Air Act.

Key Themes Highlighted in the Article

1. Immigration and Border Policy
   Lee references the 2018 “family‑separation” crisis, noting that many of the families affected now live in Oakland’s public housing complexes. She cites a link to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security report on the number of families reunited since Trump’s 2018 order, stressing that the policy left deep scars on communities that have since been rebuilt through grassroots initiatives.

2. Public Health and the COVID‑19 Response
   The article draws on the California Department of Public Health data, linking Trump’s hesitancy to enforce mask mandates and his promotion of unproven treatments to a spike in COVID‑19 cases in Oakland during 2020. Lee’s remarks emphasize that “policy decisions at the federal level directly impact how we protect our public health.”

3. Climate Action
   A link to the California Environmental Protection Agency page on the state’s carbon‑neutral pledge under the Biden administration is included, showing how the state has moved ahead of federal efforts that were stalled during the Trump years. Lee frames the 100‑day milestone as an opportunity to reaffirm California’s commitment to green jobs, citing her support for the California Climate Action Plan.

4. Police Reform
   The article references a National Institute of Justice report that the Bay Area’s Police Accountability Commission used as a framework for reforms in 2021. Lee points out how the federal “Stop the Steal” rhetoric, amplified by Trump, made it difficult to secure bipartisan support for reforms at the national level, but she notes the resilience of local initiatives.

Reactions and Follow‑up

The article reports that Lee’s speech was met with a mix of applause and skepticism. A link to an opinion piece in the Oakland Tribune is provided, where an editor questions whether Lee’s framing of the 100 days as a “checkpoint” is too simplistic, arguing that the legacy of Trump’s policies is far more complex. Meanwhile, a local activist group, Oakland for Equity, posted a photo of a rally in front of City Hall following the speech, with a caption that reads: “We stand with Rep. Lee—today, we push for accountability, not apology.”

A link to the Oakland Mayor’s Office press release—mistakenly cited as a source in the article—provides a brief note that the mayor, Libby Schaaf, thanked Lee for her “courageous advocacy” and highlighted a joint proposal to increase funding for community‑based policing. The mayor’s statement was subsequently criticized by some of the same activists for being “too cautious” in addressing systemic issues.

Additional Context

The East Bay Times article links to several external sources that give readers deeper insight into the broader narrative:

• The Congressional Progressive Caucus page explains how Lee has used her platform to push for progressive legislation, citing her sponsorship of the “Stop the Family‑Separation Act” and her vote against the “America First” tax cuts.
• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce brief on the economic impact of Trump’s trade policies includes data on California’s agricultural exports, underscoring the fiscal stakes for Oakland’s farmers.
• The California State Board of Equalization report on the tax implications of the 2018 “tax reform” bills provides a fiscal perspective that Lee uses in her arguments about how Trump’s tax policies disproportionately burden low‑income communities.

Why the 100‑Day Marker Matters

According to Lee, the 100‑day anniversary is not just a symbolic number—it’s an evaluative tool. She argues that the political life cycle often hinges on such milestones, giving lawmakers a chance to reassess priorities and redirect resources. In her view, the Bay Area, with its history of progressive activism, can use the moment to cement the gains made in policing, immigration, and environmental protection while holding federal policy makers accountable.

The article concludes with a forward‑looking statement from Lee, promising to “continue the fight” and encouraging constituents to stay engaged, citing her upcoming town‑hall meetings in East Oakland and North Oakland. A link to her upcoming event calendar is provided, allowing readers to sign up for the next discussion.

Takeaway

The East Bay Times piece offers a concise yet comprehensive overview of Barbara Lee’s stance on Trump’s legacy and its impact on Oakland. By weaving in data from federal and state reports, citing relevant policy frameworks, and presenting reactions from both supporters and critics, the article provides a balanced snapshot that will be a useful reference for anyone studying how local leaders are negotiating the long shadow of Trump’s presidency in the 2025 political climate.