Former President Barack Obama participated in a virtual meeting with Texas House Democrats who left the state to block Republican-backed redistricting plans. Obama praised their actions as "inspiring" and expressed support for their efforts to deny the GOP's congressional map proposals. The Texas Democrats' departure aimed to prevent a vote on the redistricting bill, which is expected to grant Republicans five additional U.S. House seats in the upcoming midterm elections. Their actions have sparked nationwide protests, with over 200 demonstrations planned across the United States opposing the Republican-led redistricting efforts. These protests have taken place in various locations including Chicago's Millennium Park, Tempe, and the Arizona State Capitol, featuring messages such as "Stop the Trump takeover." The Texas Democrats are also participating in national demonstrations against the redistricting plans supported by former President Donald Trump.