11 Facts That Will Change How You See US Politics

Most Americans don’t care about the culture wars. Nor do they follow politics all that closely. They do, however, agree on a whole lot more than you’ve been led to believe. These surprising facts and more will change how you see your country — and the neighbors who call it home. Read more.

How to Be a Pebble in Someone’s Shoe

Author and Builders Movement Partner Amanda Ripley highlights the “paradox of persuasion,” profiling two cousins who manage to stay close (and even talk politics at length) despite their deeply conflicting views on President Donald Trump. Read more.

💬 Your Turn

Got a surprising fact about America or its politics that changed how you see things? Reply to this email and share it. We’ll feature the best ones in a future newsletter.

🗞️ News & Views

Ronald Reagan on the American Dream. During his last speech as president, Reagan shared what makes our country so special — and what we must never lose sight of. Builders Movement Founder Daniel Lubetzky reacts to Reagan’s stirring message. Watch now.

In case you missed it: The most surprising immigration bill in years. Two members of Congress from opposite parties did something almost nobody thought was still possible in Washington. For two years, they worked in the same room on the third rail of American politics, and what they came up with has business groups and immigration advocates cheering while both parties’ hardliners scramble to kill it. Builders Texas has the full story. Read more.

Rethink how you view disagreement. Comedian Trevor Noah explains how two people can look at the same thing, come to different conclusions, and still have a meaningful conversation. Here’s how.

Builders in Action

Builders Movement Partner Tim Shriver launches the Center for Dignity in Politics. What does it look like to lead with dignity? To answer that question, Builders Movement Partner Tim Shriver has launched the bipartisan Center for Dignity in Politics, which will equip governors with the tools, training, and resources to navigate disagreement, reduce polarization, and strengthen democracy. Learn more.

Stand Together CEO Brian Hooks receives top nonprofit award. Congratulations to Builders Movement Partner Brian Hooks, CEO of Stand Together, on being named to the 2026 NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50. The annual list recognizes the most influential leaders in philanthropy, whose vision and impact extend beyond their own organizations to move the entire nonprofit sector forward. Stand Together is a philanthropic community that helps America’s boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country’s biggest problems, and this is a well-deserved honor for Brian and the entire ST community. We’re proud to celebrate alongside them. See the top 50.

Bite to Unite

Builders are bringing their communities together one BBQ at a time — now’s your chance to join in. More than 100 readers have signed up to host a Builders BBQ, opening their backyards to neighbors with different perspectives and community members they want to understand better. It all starts with a simple idea: connection begins when you show up.

“All of my neighbors have changed since we moved in 15 years ago. We don’t know them, but we certainly post different yard signs. I want to know these faces by name, and I want them to know they can call me when they need something.” — Leesa from La Crosse, Wisconsin

This summer, you can join them. Take a #BiteToUnite and join the Builders BBQ Challenge. The first 250 hosts will receive a free Builders Starter Kit.

Host a Builders BBQ.