Asian Nationals Deported / Tesla Sues Customers / Student Murder
Money, power, and a nation on edge
The Rebel Yellow Issue 32
Big money in politics isn’t new, but Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) is making a bold move to stop it. She’s pushing a new bill to undo Citizens United—the Supreme Court decision that lets corporations pour unlimited money into elections. Her timing couldn’t be more urgent, with billionaire Elon Musk now playing a major role in Trump’s government after bankrolling his 2024 campaign.
Meanwhile, Trump’s mass deportations take a new turn, a 12-year-old girl is denied a heart transplant for refusing vaccines, and Taiwan scrambles to respond to U.S. pressure while facing China’s growing threat. In other news, Tesla keeps winning lawsuits in China, a shocking murder rocks the CalArts community, and the 9th Asian Winter Games just wrapped up with historic wins.
Jayapal unveils bill to end Citizens United amid rise of “Shadow President” Musk
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), the first Indian American woman to serve in the House of Representatives, introduced a constitutional amendment on Thursday to reverse the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision and end corporate personhood. The proposal comes amid controversy over billionaire Elon Musk’s growing influence in the federal government following the 2024 election.
The “We the People Amendment”
House Joint Resolution 54, known as the “We the People Amendment,” seeks to establish that constitutional rights belong exclusively to people, not corporations. The measure, co-sponsored by 28 Democratic lawmakers such as Reps. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), would mandate public disclosure of all political contributions and expenditures at federal, state and local levels.
“Corporations are not people and money is not speech,” Jayapal said. “In every election cycle since the disastrous Citizens United decision, we have seen more and more special interest dark money poured into campaigns across the country — this year, with a billionaire paying millions to buy a seat as Shadow President.”
The Musk factor
Musk’s campaign contributions to President Donald Trump’s successful 2024 campaign reportedly hit at least $277 million through political action committees. Following Trump’s victory, Musk was designated as a “special government employee” and given a role co-leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, who quit shortly after Trump’s inauguration.
Musk’s influence became particularly apparent in December 2024 when he campaigned against a bipartisan continuing resolution meant to fund the government and prevent a shutdown. He criticized various elements of the bill in over 100 X posts, some of which allegedly contained unverified claims. The legislation, which had been put forth by House Speaker Mike Johnson with bipartisan support, ultimately failed.
About Citizens United
The 2010 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission transformed campaign finance in American politics. According to FEC records, the case originated when Citizens United, a nonprofit corporation, sought to air a film criticizing Hillary Clinton within 30 days of the 2008 Democratic primaries. This timing was prohibited under then-existing federal election law, which banned corporate-funded “electioneering communications” close to elections.
The Court’s decision struck down restrictions on independent political spending by corporations and unions. As stated in the Court’s ruling, the justices determined that independent expenditures “do not give rise to corruption or the appearance of corruption,” rejecting arguments about potential corruption or the need to protect dissenting shareholders. Jayapal’s office notes that in the election cycle following the decision, independent spending increased by more than 600% compared to the previous cycle.
Support for the amendment
Campaign finance reform advocates have endorsed the proposal. Cole Bennett, legislative co-director of the grassroots organization Move to Amend, praised Jayapal’s leadership on HJR54, noting in a statement that “unjustifiable Supreme Court decisions” had declared “corporations as entities with many of the same constitutional rights as human persons.” Bennett added that “the exponential growth of corporate power and corrupting political influence from huge sums of money flooding elections can only be solved with a systemic solution that is equivalent in scale to these systemic problems.”
The amendment faces significant hurdles as it currently lacks Republican support in Congress. Constitutional amendments require a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.
Trump begins deporting Asian nationals to Panama
The Trump administration has initiated deportations of Asian nationals to Panama, marking an escalation in the government’s mass deportation efforts.
Three waves
An Air Force flight carrying 119 deportees landed in Panama on Wednesday night. The country’s foreign ministry later confirmed the deportees’ origins, listing Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
“Through a cooperation program with the U.S. government ... yesterday a U.S. Air Force flight arrived with 119 people of the most diverse nationalities in the world,” Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino told reporters on Thursday.
Two additional flights are expected. The second flight planned for Thursday will reportedly include deportees from African nations, particularly Cameroon, alongside Asian nationals. The total number of deportees across all flights will reach approximately 360.
The deportees were initially housed in a local hotel and will be transferred to a shelter in Darien, a province in eastern Panama. The U.S. has agreed to fund their eventual repatriation to their countries of origin, according to Panamanian officials.
The big picture
The agreement comes amid complex diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Panama. President Donald Trump has expressed interest in retaking control of the Panama Canal, which the U.S. ceded to Panama in 1999. Panamanian leaders have rejected these suggestions and disputed claims about Chinese influence on canal operations.
The Darien Gap, a dangerous jungle corridor between Panama and Colombia, saw more than 500,000 migrants pass through in 2023, with numbers decreasing to over 300,000 in 2024 — still marking the second-highest annual total on record.
Unvaccinated 12-year-old girl in Ohio denied heart transplant
Adaline Deal, a 12-year-old girl in Cincinnati, Ohio, was recently denied placement on the heart transplant list at Cincinnati Children's Hospital because she is not vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu. Adaline, one of 12 children and a distant relative of Vice President JD Vance, suffers from Ebstein's anomaly and Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Her parents, Janeen and Brayton Deal, adopted her from China at age 4, knowing she would eventually need a heart transplant. They object to the required vaccinations on religious and medical grounds, citing their beliefs as nondenominational Christians.
Hospital upholds vaccination policy
Cincinnati Children's Hospital maintains that its vaccination requirements align with recommendations from major transplant organizations, including the American Society of Transplantation, to improve transplant success rates. "Because children who receive a transplant will be immunosuppressed for the rest of their life, vaccines play a critical role in preventing or reducing the risk of life-threatening infections, especially in the first year," the hospital stated.
Why vaccination is necessary
Medical experts widely support vaccination mandates for transplant recipients due to their heightened vulnerability to infections. Dr. Camille Kotton, clinical director of transplant and immunocompromised host infectious diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital, explains to the New York Post, "The first year after transplant is when they're at highest risk for infection, but they do have a lifelong risk of severe disease, and transplant patients are still dying because of COVID-19." Vaccination also helps protect other vulnerable patients and healthcare workers within the hospital.
Hospital’s prerogative
While the American Medical Association (AMA) discourages physicians from refusing care based solely on vaccination status, it acknowledges that certain circumstances — such as protecting other vulnerable patients — may warrant exceptions. The AMA’s Code of Medical Ethics addresses organ transplantation but does not specifically outline vaccination requirements for transplant candidates, leaving policies to the discretion of hospitals and transplant centers.
Seeking alternative options
Adaline's mother, Janeen, expressed frustration with the hospital’s decision. "I thought, wow. So, it's not about the kid. It's not about saving her life," she told The Cincinnati Enquirer, arguing that the hospital is prioritizing vaccination over her daughter’s urgent need for a new heart. The Deals remain firm in their decision not to vaccinate Adaline. "We'll take it as we can if it happens," Janeen added. "But I know I cannot put this (vaccine) in her body knowing what we know and how we feel about it."
Taiwan signals compliance with Trump’s demands as China threat persist
Hours after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered reciprocal tariffs and criticized Taiwan’s dominance of the semiconductor industry, the island nation pledged to boost American investments and increase its defense spending.
Increased U.S. investment
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Friday addressed Trump’s recent criticism about the U.S. losing its chip manufacturing business to the self-governed island. His response came just hours after Trump ordered reciprocal tariffs on trading partners that tax U.S. imports.
“The global semiconductor industry is an ecosystem, and it's a division of work,” Lai said at a news briefing. He added, “We hope to create a win-win scenario, not just to ensure benefit to the U.S. but also to ensure that Taiwan’s industries has room for growth.”
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest chipmaker, is already committing $65 billion to build new factories in Arizona. These facilities will produce chips for major technology companies including Apple, Intel and Nvidia, with TSMC serving as a crucial part of the developing AI industry.
The investment comes amid deepening economic ties between the two nations. Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. reached a record $111.4 billion last year, an 83% increase. Lai pointed out that Taiwan now directs over 40% of its foreign investments to the U.S. — more than it invests in China.
Defense spending boost
Lai also tackled Trump’s criticism of Taiwan’s military spending, announcing plans for a “special budget” to increase defense spending from 2.5% to over 3% of the island’s total economic output. The boost comes as Taiwan faces mounting military pressure from China.
“Taiwan must demonstrate our determination to defend ourselves,” Lai said. However, his proposal faces obstacles in parliament, where opposition parties hold a majority and have pushed for cuts to the budget, including defense spending.
Notable language change
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department updated its official policy language on Taiwan. The department’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs removed a long-standing statement that Washington “does not support Taiwan independence” from its fact sheet, while adding language about Taiwan’s international participation. In response, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed gratitude for the “positive, Taiwan-friendly wordings.”
The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) told the Central News Agency that such changes were “routine” updates to inform the public about the unofficial U.S.-Taiwan relationship. A spokesperson reiterated the U.S.’ commitment to its “One China” policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques and the Six Assurances to Taiwan.
Military activities intensify
The developments come amid ongoing military activities in the region. Admiral Samuel Paparo, who commands U.S. forces in the Pacific, warned Thursday that China’s military exercises have grown so large they could mask actual invasion preparations.
“We’re very close to that point where on a daily basis the fig leaf of an exercise could very well hide operational warning,” Paparo said at the Honolulu Defense Forum. He also expressed concerns about increasing military cooperation between China, Russia and North Korea, calling them a “triangle of troublemakers” whose joint activities span “from the seabed to the heavens.”
China’s latest show of force came during a Canadian warship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait, when it conducted joint combat readiness patrols with 24 military aircraft and vessels near the island, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence.
Tesla has been suing its customers and critics in China and winning
A Shanghai court has ordered Tesla owner Zhang Yazhou to pay $23,000 in damages and apologize publicly for complaints about alleged brake failures in her Model 3. The May 2024 verdict, now under appeal, exemplifies Tesla’s powerful legal strategy in China.
What happened
After a February 2021 crash in Henan province involving her father, Zhang claimed brake failure caused the accident despite police citing driver error. When Tesla dismissed her concerns, she protested at dealerships and auto shows, ultimately climbing onto a display model in Shanghai — a viral moment that led to a brief detention.
Tesla responded with a defamation lawsuit, initially seeking $684,000 in damages. The company later released data showing high-speed driving before the crash but included Zhang’s vehicle identification number, leading to online harassment of her family.
“I refuse to accept it,” Zhang, who appealed the verdict, told the Associated Press. “As a consumer, even if I said something wrong, I have the right to comment and criticize. I spoke about my feelings as a user of the car. It has nothing to do with damaging their reputation.”
Pattern of success
An AP investigation found that Elon Musk’s Tesla has successfully sued six car owners reporting malfunctions, six bloggers and two media outlets in China. The company has won all 11 cases with known verdicts. Additionally, it has prevailed in 72 of 81 civil cases where customers sued over safety, quality or contract disputes.
Tesla’s exceptional record reflects its deep relationship with Li Qiang, China’s current premier and former Shanghai party chief. Li and Musk have met multiple times since their first meeting in 2018. Under Li’s patronage, Tesla gained unprecedented advantages: complete control of its China operations, favorable loans and tax benefits. The partnership proved mutually beneficial — Tesla achieved profitability in 2020 after opening its Shanghai factory, while China’s electric vehicle market saw dramatic growth.
“The economies of China and the United States are deeply integrated,” Li told Musk in a meeting last April, as per CNN. “You have me, and I have you. Both sides can benefit from each other’s development.”
“A chilling effect”
The company’s legal victories have effectively silenced critics. Shanghai journalists, speaking anonymously, revealed an unofficial ban on negative Tesla coverage. Auto blogger Feng Shiming, who was fined 250,000 yuan after writing about alleged brake failures, told AP, “Tesla wants to have a chilling effect on society and terrify people so they will be scared to say anything negative.”
While Chinese courts maintain their rulings stem from “fair trials,” Tesla’s success raises questions about corporate influence in a system where regulators, courts and media ultimately answer to the Communist Party.
Memphis man sentenced to life for killing his wife during their Fiji honeymoon
Bradley Robert Dawson, a 40-year-old Tennessee man, will spend at least 18 years behind bars after being sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife, Christe Chen, in Fiji. The High Court in Lautoka delivered the ruling on Wednesday for the killing, which occurred during the couple’s honeymoon at Turtle Island Resort on July 9, 2022.
About the victim
Chen, 36, was a pharmacist who had recently graduated from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. She was killed just two days after arriving at the resort with her husband and a night after guests reported hearing the newlyweds arguing. When the couple failed to show up for breakfast or lunch the next day, resort staff grew concerned and went to check on them. Chen was found in their hotel room with multiple blunt force injuries to her head.
A lawyer representing her parents stated that the severity of her injuries made embalming impossible, preventing her body from being transported back to the U.S. As a result, she was cremated in Fiji.
Dawson, meanwhile, worked in the information technology department at Youth Villages, a non-profit child welfare and support organization in Memphis. He had been married once before, with the divorce finalized in January 2022, just one month before he married Chen. The couple purportedly had a "whirlwind romance" before their marriage.
After Chen’s killing, Dawson fled the resort by kayak, reaching a nearby island before authorities apprehended him roughly 36 hours later. He was found in possession of his passport and personal belongings.
The trial
Dawson has insisted on his innocence since being jailed in 2022, claiming that Chen was his “everything” and that he prayed for her every day. He also stated that they had “never had any physical arguments” in their relationship.
Dawson was found guilty after an eight-day trial in December 2024, during which Justice Riyaz Hamza ruled that the prosecution had proven his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Justice Hamza noted that Dawson's possession of his passport suggested an intent to flee. Dawson’s defense lawyer, Anil Prasad, argued that the prosecution had insufficient evidence and pointed out that many of the couple's belongings were still at the resort, contradicting claims that Dawson had planned an escape. However, the judge dismissed these arguments.
The sentencing
In his sentencing remarks, Justice Hamza condemned Dawson's actions, stating, “Your conduct after the incident was appalling. Having inflicted serious and life-threatening injuries, you fled the scene, leaving the deceased alone and helpless.” He further noted that Chen’s body was only discovered several hours later.
Under Fijian law, prisoners can apply for parole after serving their court-mandated minimum term. Legal experts suggest that after completing 18 years, Dawson could appeal to the national Mercy Commission for a pardon from the Fijian president or request a sentence reduction to a fixed term.
Hunt continues for person of interest in CalArts student’s murder
Los Angeles County authorities are seeking the public’s help to solve the murder of a 23-year-old art student found dead in her Santa Clarita condominium earlier this month.
Menghan Zhuang, known to friends as Emily King, was discovered unresponsive by her roommate on Feb. 4 at the Vistas condominium complex in Newhall. When first responders arrived at the 21000 block of Nandina Lane at around 6:47 p.m., they found Zhuang with multiple injuries to her upper body. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
About the person of interest
Investigators have identified a person of interest after reviewing security footage from the complex. The man, described as being of Asian descent and in his 20s, was seen entering Zhuang’s condominium on the night of Feb. 3. Security cameras captured him leaving through her second-story bedroom window the following afternoon, shortly before her body was discovered.
“It is clear this was not a random act of violence and Zhuang somehow knew the person of interest, evident by bringing that person into her apartment,” Lt. Michael Modica told reporters on Thursday. The suspect was last seen wearing a black shirt and black pants. Meanwhile, investigators have cleared Zhuang’s roommate — who called 911 — of any involvement in the crime.
About Zhuang
Zhuang had been pursuing her dreams as an undergraduate at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where she was in her senior year. The Chinese national had been studying in the U.S. for three and a half years on a student visa.
“Our community is devastated by this loss, and our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, classmates and teachers,” CalArts officials said in a statement on Friday. The school is working with Zhuang’s family to plan a memorial event showcasing her artwork.
Reward offered
County officials are taking action to help solve the case. Supervisor Kathryn Barger has authored a motion for a $20,000 reward, which the Board of Supervisors will consider at a Feb. 18 meeting. If approved, the reward would be retroactively dated to Feb. 13.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at lacrimestoppers.org.
China dominates 9th Asian Winter Games
The 9th Asian Winter Games concluded on Feb. 14, with China topping the medal tally, securing a record-tying 32 gold medals. The Games, held in Harbin, saw over 1,200 athletes from 34 countries compete in 64 events across 11 disciplines.
China's dominance: Winter Olympic gold medalists like Xu Mengtao (freestyle skiing), Qi Guangpu (freestyle skiing) and Gao Tingyu (speed skating) led China's medal haul. Ning Zhongyan set a new Games record in the men's 1,000-meter speed skating event. China's overall performance, with a total of 85 medals, marked their best in Asian Winter Games history. They matched the gold medal record set by Kazakhstan in the 2011 Astana-Almaty Games.
First Southeast Asian gold: The Philippines’ men's curling team captured the country’s first-ever medal at the Asian Winter Games and the first gold for any Southeast Asian nation in the history of the Games. The team, composed of Marc Pfister, Alan Frei, Christian Haller, Enrico Pfister and alternate Benjo Delarmente, defeated South Korea with a 5-3 victory in the final. This victory secured them a place at the 2026 Olympic pre-qualifiers.
Kazakhstan’s gold hauls: Kazakhstan celebrated its first-ever gold medal in freestyle aerials, with the team defeating two strong Chinese teams. They also achieved a historic first gold in short track speed skating. The Kazakh men's ice hockey team continued their dominance, winning their fifth Asian Winter Games title.
Thailand captures first medal: Thailand also celebrated a historic moment with Paul Henri Vieuxtemps securing the country's first-ever medal at the Asian Winter Games, a bronze in the men's freeski slopestyle.