Rising Together: Good News & Bad News.
The Good News
In the wake of Donald Trump’s return to the White House following the 2024 presidential election, a renewed wave of resistance is surging across the United States. From grassroots mobilization to state-level legal battles, diverse strategies are emerging as communities and organizations prepare to confront the policies and rhetoric of the new administration. Here’s a closer look at how this multifaceted resistance is shaping up and the challenges it faces.
Grassroots Mobilization and Mass Protests: Power in Numbers
One of the most visible elements of the resistance is the call for grassroots mobilization. Activists are urging people to take to the streets, drawing inspiration from the mass protests that defined Trump's first term. Movements like the Sunrise Movement are once again at the forefront, emphasizing the importance of large-scale participation.
The strategy is clear: mass protests and strikes can amplify dissent and draw attention to critical issues like climate change, immigration, and reproductive rights. The aim is to foster a sense of collective power, showing that communities will not passively accept policies they see as harmful or regressive.
Legal Challenges and State-Level Resistance: Defending Democracy
On the legal front, Democratic state officials are gearing up to be the frontline defenders against the new administration’s policies. The newly formed Governors Safeguarding Democracy group, led by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Colorado Governor Jared Polis, is an early sign of this effort.
State attorneys general are also organizing to push back against anticipated federal overreach. They’re preparing to contest Trump’s policies on immigration, reproductive rights, and other hot-button issues. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s decision to call a special legislative session highlights how states can act as bulwarks against federal actions that threaten democracy and civil rights.
Nonprofit Organizations and Funding: Building Resistance Infrastructure
Progressive nonprofit organizations are rallying for the upcoming battle. The ACLU and similar groups are preparing to challenge Trump’s policies in courtrooms, statehouses, and public spaces. However, they face significant hurdles, including a judiciary with more conservative judges and the potential for donor fatigue after years of relentless political battles.
To address these challenges, some nonprofits are establishing “war rooms” to meticulously scrutinize Trump’s nominees and policies, aiming to uncover conflicts of interest or problematic histories. This infrastructure of resistance is vital for sustaining long-term opposition.
Coordinated Strategies: Unity in Diversity
A recurring lesson from Trump’s first term is the need for coordinated and strategic opposition. Groups like the Democracy Alliance, a coalition of liberal donors, are convening to map out plans for upcoming political battles.
The goal is to create a “healthy social movement ecosystem” where various approaches to change—legal challenges, protests, policy advocacy—complement each other. This includes linking opposition to Trump’s policies with broader campaigns for social and economic transformation.
Challenges and Concerns: Navigating a Tougher Landscape
Despite the determination to resist, significant challenges lie ahead. The judiciary is now more conservative, complicating legal challenges. Trump’s experience from his first term may result in more calculated and harder-to-contest policies. Activists must also tread carefully to avoid tactics that could inadvertently bolster Trump’s narrative, particularly on sensitive issues like immigration.
Moreover, the resistance must contend with internal challenges, such as avoiding burnout among activists and maintaining public interest and engagement over the long term.
A Vision for Transformative Change
Beyond resistance, there’s a growing emphasis on advocating for a positive and transformative vision. Activists are not only fighting against Trump’s agenda but are also pushing for systemic changes that address long-standing inequalities and environmental crises.
The fight against Trump’s second term is not just about opposing one administration. It’s about shaping the future of the nation and ensuring that democratic principles, social justice, and human rights prevail.
Now the Bad News…
Donald Trump’s 2024 victory is a stark reflection of a political and economic system that many Americans feel has failed them. The influence of corporate money in politics, exacerbated by decisions like Citizens United v. FEC, has created a government that too often serves the interests of the wealthy elite over the everyday voter. Addressing this issue is not only a moral imperative but also a practical necessity for restoring faith in democracy and improving the economic realities that have driven voters to seek radical change.
The Economic Roots of Trump’s Victory
Many voters who propelled Trump back into office did so out of frustration with a system that seems rigged against them. Stagnant wages, rising living costs, and growing income inequality have left millions feeling abandoned by both major parties. While Trump capitalized on this discontent by promising to "drain the swamp" and restore economic prosperity, his policies largely benefited corporations and the wealthy, further entrenching the problems.
The 2003 documentary The Corporation and the 2010 film Inside Job provide a critical lens through which to view these dynamics. The Corporation exposes how corporate entities, driven by profit maximization, have gained undue influence over public policy and societal norms. Inside Job delves into the financial crisis of 2008, illustrating how deregulation and Wall Street greed wreaked havoc on the global economy—while those responsible faced few consequences.
These films highlight a common theme: the prioritization of corporate interests over public welfare. This systemic corruption has only been magnified in the post-Citizens United era, where unlimited corporate spending in elections undermines the democratic process.
The Need for Reform: Citizens United and Beyond
The Citizens United decision opened the floodgates for corporations and wealthy individuals to pour money into political campaigns, effectively drowning out the voices of ordinary citizens. As a result, policies that could address systemic inequalities—such as healthcare reform, higher minimum wages, and stronger financial regulations—are stymied by the very entities that profit from maintaining the status quo.
To counter this, several reforms are urgently needed:
Overturning Citizens United
A constitutional amendment or legislative action to overturn Citizens United is essential. This would reinstate limits on corporate and PAC spending in elections, ensuring that democracy is not for sale to the highest bidder.Publicly Funded Elections
Implementing publicly funded election systems would level the playing field, allowing candidates to run competitive campaigns without relying on wealthy donors. This would shift the focus back to policies that benefit the majority.Stronger Lobbying Regulations
Corporate lobbying often shapes legislation to serve special interests. Stricter regulations on lobbying, including greater transparency and limits on revolving-door employment between government and industry, are critical.Enforcing Anti-Monopoly Laws
Breaking up monopolies and curbing corporate consolidation would reduce the economic and political power of a few dominant players, fostering a more competitive and fair economy.
The Role of the Democratic Party
Despite the urgent need for reform, the Democratic Party has often been hesitant to fully embrace an anti-corporate agenda. Over the past few decades, the party has shifted toward a centrist platform, aiming to court suburban and business-friendly voters. This strategy, while electorally beneficial in some contexts, has alienated many working-class and progressive voters who feel the party no longer represents their interests.
The reluctance to support bold progressive policies, such as Medicare for All and a Green New Deal, stems in part from the party's reliance on corporate donations. This financial dependency creates a conflict of interest, making it difficult for Democrats to champion systemic reforms that would threaten their donor base.
A Path Forward: Grassroots Mobilization and Strategic Resistance
As Trump’s second term begins, the need for a cohesive and determined resistance has never been greater. Here’s how we can fight back:
Empowering Grassroots Movements
Grassroots organizations must lead the charge in advocating for systemic change. Groups like the Sunrise Movement and the Poor People’s Campaign have demonstrated the power of organizing at the community level to push for policies that prioritize people over profits.Building Coalitions Across Ideologies
Economic discontent transcends party lines. By focusing on shared concerns—such as job security, healthcare, and corruption—progressives can build alliances with disaffected voters across the political spectrum.Highlighting Corporate Influence
Public education campaigns should expose the role of corporate money in shaping policies that harm ordinary Americans. Drawing on lessons from The Corporation and Inside Job, these campaigns can help voters see the connections between corporate greed and their own economic struggles.Supporting Progressive Candidates
Backing candidates who reject corporate donations and prioritize the needs of their constituents is crucial. These leaders can serve as a counterweight to the influence of big money in politics.
Conclusion: Restoring Democracy and Economic Justice
The economic dissatisfaction that fueled Trump’s victory will not be resolved without addressing the root cause: corporate influence in politics. Tackling this issue requires bold reforms, relentless grassroots activism, and a commitment to building a government that works for all Americans, not just the wealthy few.
Trump’s presidency is a symptom of a deeper systemic problem. By confronting corporate power and fighting for economic justice, we can not only resist his agenda but also lay the foundation for a more equitable and democratic future.
