A Historic Step Forward

Texas first joined the COS movement in 2017, becoming the 11th state to pass a resolution calling for an Article V convention to propose amendments aimed at reducing the size, scope, and jurisdiction of the federal government. That original resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 2 (SJR 2), was a triumph for grassroots activists but included an eight-year sunset provision, set to expire in 2025. The passage of HJR 98, sponsored by Representative Cody Vasut in the Texas House and championed by Senator Brian Birdwell in the Senate, eliminates this expiration date, cementing Texas’s application as permanent.

The Texas House of Representatives passed HJR 98 in April 2025 with a decisive 86-57 vote, reflecting strong bipartisan support. The resolution then advanced to the Senate, where the State Affairs Committee held a hearing on May 5, 2025, to review its merits. The Senate’s approval, backed by a unified Republican majority, underscored Texas’s resolve to address what many see as a federal government overstepping its constitutional bounds.

The Convention of States: A Constitutional Solution

The COS movement, launched in 2013 by Citizens for Self-Governance, seeks to leverage Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which allows state legislatures to call a convention to propose amendments. These amendments must be ratified by 38 states to take effect, ensuring a high threshold for change. The COS resolution specifically targets three areas: imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government, limiting its power and jurisdiction, and establishing term limits for Congress and other federal officials.

Texas’s renewed commitment brings the total number of states with active COS resolutions to 19, moving the nation closer to the 34-state threshold required to convene a convention. Other states, including Georgia, Alaska, Florida, and Missouri, have also passed similar resolutions, reflecting growing concern over federal overreach, unsustainable debt, and regulatory burdens.

Grassroots Power and Legislative Leadership

The passage of HJR 98 is a testament to the tireless efforts of Texas’s grassroots activists, who have worked for over a decade to build support for the COS resolution. More than 125,000 COS volunteers across the state have organized meetings, educated citizens, and lobbied legislators, ensuring the issue remained a priority. Mark Meckler, President of the Convention of States Project, praised the Texas grassroots, stating, “Their strength and dedication have made Texas a shining beacon of liberty, hope, and inspiration for the entire nation.”

Key legislative figures played critical roles in navigating HJR 98 through the Texas Legislature. Representative Cody Vasut’s strategic leadership in the House and Senator Brian Birdwell’s articulate advocacy in the Senate were instrumental. The COS Texas team, including Legislative Liaison Michael Deffendall and State Director Shelby Williams, provided impactful testimony and maintained a strong presence in Austin, building on the foundation laid since 2017.

Addressing Federal Overreach

Proponents of the COS resolution argue that the federal government has strayed far from its constitutional limits, imposing burdensome regulations and amassing unsustainable debt. In Texas, leaders like Governor Greg Abbott have long championed the cause, declaring the COS resolution an emergency item in 2017 and endorsing the movement as early as 2016. Abbott has argued that systemic reform is necessary, stating, “All three branches of government have strayed from what the Constitution provides, and it’s going to take far too long to fix with just one president.”

Senator Birdwell echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the states’ role as the creators of the federal government. “The creation is never greater than the creator,” he said, highlighting the need to restore the balance of power envisioned by the Founders.

Opposition and Concerns

Despite its success, the COS resolution has faced opposition. Critics, including some conservatives, express concerns about the potential for a “runaway convention” that could overhaul the Constitution in unintended ways. The John Birch Society, for instance, has urged Texas legislators to rescind all Article V applications, advocating instead for nullification to counter federal overreach.

Supporters counter that the COS process is tightly constrained, with amendments limited to the resolution’s stated topics and requiring ratification by 38 states—a high bar that ensures only broadly supported changes are adopted. Mark Meckler has dismissed fears of a runaway convention as “fearmongering spread primarily by the radical left,” emphasizing the constitutional safeguards in place.

The Road Ahead

With HJR 98’s passage, Texas joins 18 other states in calling for a Convention of States, leaving 15 more needed to reach the 34-state threshold. The COS Project is actively working in states like Missouri, Iowa, and South Dakota to build momentum. In Texas, the focus now shifts to sustaining grassroots engagement and preparing for the 2027 legislative session, where activists aim to counter any efforts to weaken the resolution.

Shelby Williams, Texas COS State Director, stressed the broader mission: “Passing the COS resolution is a goal, but it’s not the mission. Our mission is to build an engaged grassroots army of self-governing activists to restore and preserve our liberty.” This vision underscores the importance of continued citizen involvement, from attending local government meetings to running for office, to ensure lasting change.

A Beacon of Liberty

Texas’s passage of HJR 98 is more than a legislative victory—it’s a bold statement that the Lone Star State will not stand idly by as federal power grows unchecked. By removing the expiration date from its COS application, Texas has reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of federalism, fiscal responsibility, and limited government. As the nation watches

The Surrender: What Happened?

The group, reportedly including one of El Chapo’s ex-wives and relatives of Ovidio Guzmán, entered the U.S. under what appears to be federal protection. According to reports, the surrender is tied to ongoing plea negotiations involving Ovidio Guzmán, a high-ranking Sinaloa Cartel figure who was extradited to the U.S. in 2023 and faces charges related to drug trafficking and money laundering. Posts on X suggest the family members may have been offered safety in exchange for cooperation, with some claiming the cartel would target relatives left in Mexico if no deal was struck.

The surrender was a carefully orchestrated move, with U.S. authorities, including the FBI, prepared to receive the group. While details remain scarce, the event has been widely reported across U.S. and Mexican media, with outlets like NBC San Diego and CBS News noting the significance of such a large group of cartel-affiliated individuals crossing the border simultaneously. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum publicly questioned why the U.S. allowed the entry, hinting at tensions over the lack of prior communication with Mexican authorities.

Context: The Sinaloa Cartel and U.S.-Mexico Dynamics

The Sinaloa Cartel, once led by El Chapo, remains a dominant force in global drug trafficking, responsible for smuggling vast quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs into the U.S. El Chapo is serving a life sentence in a Colorado supermax prison, but his sons, known as “Los Chapitos,” including Ovidio, have continued to run key factions of the cartel. The organization’s influence extends deep into Mexican politics and society, complicating efforts to dismantle it.

The surrender comes amid heightened U.S.-Mexico cooperation on drug enforcement, exemplified by the recent extradition of 29 cartel leaders to the U.S. in February 2025. However, experts argue that such high-profile actions, including the May 9 surrender, may not significantly disrupt the flow of drugs across the border. The cartel’s decentralized structure allows it to adapt quickly, with new leaders and operatives filling vacancies left by arrests or defections.

Implications: A Deal with the Devil?

The surrender has far-reaching implications for both U.S. law enforcement and U.S.-Mexico relations:

1. Plea Bargaining and Intelligence Gathering
   The surrender is likely part of a broader strategy to secure cooperation from Ovidio Guzmán or other cartel figures. By offering safety to family members, U.S. prosecutors may be leveraging personal incentives to extract valuable intelligence on cartel operations, supply chains, and corrupt officials. Posts on X speculate that the 17 relatives are “telling it all,” though no official confirmation of their testimony has emerged. This move could yield significant breakthroughs in dismantling cartel networks, but it also risks backlash if the public perceives it as leniency toward criminals.
2. Strained U.S.-Mexico Relations
   Mexico’s government, led by President Sheinbaum, has expressed frustration over the lack of transparency surrounding the surrender. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in bilateral efforts to combat drug trafficking, with Mexico wary of U.S. interventions that bypass its sovereignty. Sheinbaum’s public questioning of the U.S. decision to admit the family members signals potential diplomatic friction, especially as Mexico grapples with internal cartel violence.
3. Cartel Retaliation and Instability
   The surrender could provoke retaliation from rival factions within the Sinaloa Cartel or competing groups like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Family members left behind in Mexico may face increased danger, as cartels often target relatives to punish defectors. This dynamic could escalate violence in Sinaloa and other cartel strongholds, further destabilizing the region.
4. Public Perception and Political Fallout
   In the U.S., the surrender has fueled polarized reactions. Some posts on X praise the move as a triumph of U.S. pressure, crediting the Trump administration’s tough stance on cartels, including threats of military action at the border. Others question why the story has not received more media coverage, with one user asking, “WHY IS THIS NOT GETTING THE NEWS COVERAGE?” The event could shape public discourse on border security and drug policy, especially as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

Skepticism and Unanswered Questions

While the surrender is a significant development, it’s worth approaching the narrative with skepticism. The lack of detailed public information about the identities of the 17 individuals and the specifics of any deal raises questions about the U.S. government’s transparency. Reports of a “secret pact” with cartel figures, as alleged by some outlets, remain unverified and may exaggerate the event’s scope. Moreover, the surrender’s long-term impact on the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations is uncertain, given the organization’s resilience.

Looking Ahead

The May 9 surrender of 17 Sinaloa Cartel family members at San Ysidro marks a dramatic moment in the fight against drug trafficking, but its true significance will depend on what follows. Will the U.S. secure actionable intelligence to disrupt the cartel’s operations? Will Mexico and the U.S. resolve their diplomatic tensions to strengthen cooperation? And can such high-profile actions translate into meaningful reductions in drug smuggling and violence?

For now, the event underscores the complex interplay of law enforcement, diplomacy, and cartel dynamics at the U.S.-Mexico border. As one expert noted, “Indictments and surrenders won’t slow the flow of drugs” without systemic changes to address demand and corruption. The surrender may be a tactical win, but the war against the cartels is far from over.

In a surprising development, former U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to propose a two-state solution to address the long-standing Israel-Gaza conflict. The announcement, expected to be detailed in the coming weeks, marks a significant shift in Trump’s approach to the Middle East, which during his presidency leaned heavily on the Abraham Accords and a pro-Israel stance. Sources close to the former president suggest that the proposal aims to break the cycle of violence and lay the groundwork for lasting peace in the region.

Background of the Israel-Gaza Conflict

The Israel-Gaza standoff is rooted in decades of territorial disputes, competing national aspirations, and cycles of violence. Israel, established in 1948, and the Palestinian territories, including Gaza, have been at odds over issues like borders, settlements, security, and the status of Jerusalem. Gaza, controlled by Hamas since 2007, has faced blockades and frequent military escalations with Israel, leading to significant loss of life and humanitarian crises.

Efforts to broker peace, including previous U.S.-led initiatives, have often stalled due to disagreements over key issues like Palestinian statehood and Israeli security. The two-state solution—envisioning an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel—has long been a cornerstone of international diplomacy but has faced resistance from hardline factions on both sides.

Trump’s New Proposal

According to insiders, Trump’s forthcoming plan will advocate for a two-state framework, emphasizing clear borders, mutual recognition, and robust security guarantees. The proposal reportedly includes:

1. Defined Borders: A delineation of territory based on pre-1967 lines with mutually agreed land swaps, aiming to balance Israel’s security needs with Palestinian aspirations for contiguous territory.
2. Jerusalem as a Shared Capital: A nuanced approach to Jerusalem, potentially designating East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state while maintaining Israel’s capital in West Jerusalem.
3. Security Arrangements: Extensive measures to ensure Israel’s defense, including demilitarization clauses for the Palestinian state and international peacekeeping forces in sensitive areas.
4. Economic Incentives: A Marshall Plan-style economic package to rebuild Gaza and develop the West Bank, funded by international donors, including Gulf states.
5. Gaza’s Reconstruction: A focus on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with provisions for lifting the blockade in exchange for Hamas relinquishing its military capabilities and recognizing Israel.

The plan is said to draw inspiration from the Abraham Accords, which normalized ties between Israel and several Arab states. Trump reportedly believes that leveraging these diplomatic ties can pressure both Israel and Palestinian leadership to negotiate seriously.

A Shift in Strategy

Trump’s pivot to a two-state solution is notable given his first term’s policies, which included moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and unveiling a 2020 peace plan that heavily favored Israel. Critics of that plan, including Palestinian leaders, dismissed it as unworkable due to its sidelining of key Palestinian demands.

Analysts suggest that Trump’s renewed focus on a two-state solution may be driven by several factors. First, the escalating violence in Gaza, particularly in recent years, has underscored the unsustainability of the status quo. Second, Trump’s political ambitions—potentially eyeing a 2024 comeback—may be motivating him to cement a legacy as a peacemaker. Finally, the evolving dynamics in the Middle East, with Arab states increasingly open to cooperation with Israel, provide a unique window for diplomacy.

Challenges Ahead

While the proposal has generated buzz, it faces significant hurdles. Hardline elements in Israel, including settler groups and right-wing politicians, are likely to resist any plan that cedes territory. Similarly, Hamas and other Palestinian factions may reject terms that require demilitarization or recognition of Israel. The Palestinian Authority, weakened by internal divisions, may struggle to rally support for a deal perceived as compromising core demands.

International reactions are also mixed. While European allies and moderate Arab states may welcome the initiative, skepticism remains about Trump’s ability to deliver impartial mediation given his past record. The Biden administration, which has prioritized diplomacy in the region, has not yet commented on Trump’s reported plan.

Potential Impact

If successful, Trump’s proposal could reshape the Middle East, fostering stability and unlocking economic opportunities. A viable two-state solution could reduce tensions, curb extremist ideologies, and strengthen U.S. influence in the region. However, failure risks further entrenching distrust and fueling violence.

As the world awaits the formal unveiling of Trump’s plan, all eyes are on how he navigates the delicate balance of competing interests. Whether this bold move will bring the parties closer to peace or deepen the divide remains to be seen.

The Limits of Presidential Power

The presidency, while powerful, is constrained by the U.S. system of checks and balances. Congress, the judiciary, and state governments all play pivotal roles in shaping policy. Trump’s first term illustrated both the potential and the limitations of executive action. Achievements like tax cuts, deregulation, and judicial appointments were significant, but initiatives like the border wall or repealing Obamacare faltered due to congressional opposition, court rulings, or internal divisions.

In 2025, Trump faces similar challenges. Even with a Republican-controlled Congress, passing legislation requires unity within a party often divided by ideological factions—moderates, populists, and traditional conservatives. Without a cohesive strategy, his agenda risks stalling. At the state level, governors and legislatures hold sway over issues like education, election integrity, and law enforcement. Trump will need their cooperation, which demands political dexterity and compromise.

The Bureaucratic Maze

The federal bureaucracy poses another formidable hurdle. The so-called “deep state”—career civil servants, entrenched agencies, and regulatory bodies—can obstruct even the most determined presidential agenda. Trump’s first term saw resistance from within, from leaks to policy sabotage. His pledge to “drain the swamp” resonated deeply but proved difficult to execute.

To overcome this, Trump must appoint loyal, competent administrators who can navigate the complexities of federal agencies. Figures like Elon Musk or Vivek Ramaswamy, rumored to play advisory roles, bring bold ideas but lack bureaucratic experience. Seasoned operatives who can counter inertia and implement policy are essential. Trump’s ability to delegate effectively will determine whether his reforms take hold.

The Power of Grassroots Activism

Trump’s political movement has always been rooted in the energy of ordinary Americans. His base—millions disillusioned with elites, media, and establishment politics—is his greatest asset. Grassroots activism is the lifeblood of this movement, and its importance cannot be overstated. To enact lasting change, Trump needs an engaged citizenry that amplifies his agenda beyond the White House.

Grassroots activists can pressure Congress to pass legislation, hold elected officials accountable, and advocate for state-level reforms. From organizing rallies to flooding congressional offices with calls, emails, and petitions, these efforts can shift the political calculus. In Trump’s first term, grassroots support helped drive policies like the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and sustained momentum for his judicial nominations. In 2025, this energy will be even more critical.

Local activism can also shape state policies on issues like immigration enforcement, election security, or energy deregulation. Community organizing, town halls, and voter mobilization can ensure that state leaders align with Trump’s vision. Movements like “America First” thrive when citizens take ownership, turning rhetoric into action. For example, grassroots campaigns could push for voter ID laws or challenge local sanctuary city policies, creating a groundswell of support that complements federal efforts.

However, grassroots activism must extend beyond Trump’s core base. To build a broader coalition, activists should engage independents and moderates who may support his policies but are wary of his polarizing style. Town hall meetings, social media campaigns, and community outreach can bridge this gap, framing Trump’s agenda in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. This inclusive approach can sustain momentum and counter opposition narratives.

The Risks and Rewards

Trump’s reliance on his base carries both opportunities and risks. His unapologetic rhetoric galvanizes supporters but can alienate potential allies. Grassroots activists must navigate this tension, advocating passionately while building bridges. Overzealous or divisive tactics could backfire, fueling opposition and undermining Trump’s broader appeal. Strategic, disciplined activism—focused on policy wins rather than personal loyalty—will be key.

A Global Stage

Internationally, Trump’s “America First” doctrine requires cooperation from allies and adversaries. While grassroots activism is less directly impactful here, public support can bolster his negotiating position. Rallies, social media campaigns, and public demonstrations of unity can signal to the world that Trump’s policies reflect the will of the American people, strengthening his hand in trade talks or diplomatic negotiations.

A Team Effort Amplified by the Grassroots

Trump’s vision is bold, but its success depends on more than one man. He needs a unified Republican Party, cooperative state leaders, a competent administration, pragmatic foreign allies, and, above all, a vibrant grassroots movement. His leadership style—decisive and often solitary—has been his strength, but it must be paired with the collective power of millions of Americans.

Grassroots activism is the engine that can drive Trump’s agenda forward, turning promises into reality. By mobilizing communities, pressuring lawmakers, and broadening support, activists can amplify his efforts and overcome institutional resistance. Trump can’t do it alone, but with a citizenry united behind him, he won’t have to. The stakes are high, and the opportunity is now. America is watching, and the world is waiting.

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