Courts Waver as MAGA Turns on Itself Over Iran Intervention - Resistance Brief for 20 June 2025

Information, insight, and inspiration for resisting tyranny in America

Welcome!

Welcome to The Resistance Sentinel, a publication dedicated to documenting and amplifying the movement to defend democracy against authoritarian rule. While protests against Trump accelerated and hit historic high levels, U.S. courts wavered once again in their resistance to Trump’s authoritarian consolidation. Meanwhile, the MAGA base is increasingly torn over whether to support a potential U.S. military intervention in Iran. Read on to get up to date and join us in turning awareness into action as we work together toward a more just and democratic future. But first…

Daily Inspiration

What happened: John Spitzberg, an 87‑year‑old U.S. Air Force veteran, was arrested outside the U.S. Capitol on June 13 while protesting President Trump’s proposed military parade, telling reporters afterward, “I’m just beginning, my friend,” before planning to continue his activism .

⬆️ Why it matters: His defiant spirit at 87 illustrates the power of lifelong civic courage—showing that standing up for democracy and solidarity with fellow veterans transcends age and underscores enduring resistance.

Resistance Today

Civil Society & Publics

American Spring? How nonviolent protest in the US is accelerating

What happened: Protests against the Trump regime and its policies have surged in the US, with over 4,770 anti-Trump protests occurring in April and May, involving millions of participants nationwide.

⬆️ Why it matters: This intensification of resistance is significant, as it suggests a growing opposition to authoritarian consolidation under the Trump regime, with protests remaining remarkably nonviolent despite aggressive law enforcement responses.

The Online Tools That Fueled ‘No Kings’ and the Trump Resistance

What happened: A decentralized online movement, fueled by technology such as Reddit, Discord, and encrypted messaging apps, is mobilizing resistance to the Trump regime's authoritarian consolidation efforts, with millions of people participating in thousands of protests across all 50 states.

⬆️ Why it matters: The growth of this decentralized online movement suggests that ordinary Americans are taking matters into their own hands to resist the erosion of democracy and civil liberties under the Trump regime's authoritarian consolidation efforts.

Not done protesting Trump yet? These organizations have options for you

What happened: Millions of Americans participated in the No Kings rallies across the country, showing solidarity against authoritarianism and supporting progressive values. The protests are not done, however. Multiple organizations are planning future actions.

⬆️ Why it matters: The massive turnout and organizing efforts among left-leaning activists demonstrate a growing resistance to Trump's regime and its consolidation of power, suggesting a potential shift away from authoritarianism.

Legal & Judicial

Appeals Court Upholds Trump’s Control of California National Guard

What happened: A federal appeals court upheld President Donald Trump's control of the California National Guard, allowing him to keep using the troops to respond to immigration protests in Los Angeles despite the state's objections.

⬇️ Why it matters: The ruling is a significant example of authoritarian consolidation by Trump, as it allows the president to bypass state authority and use military personnel in a domestic context without explanation or oversight.

US court lets Trump keep control of California National Guard for now

What happened: A US appeals court ruled that President Trump can continue to control California's National Guard while the state's Democratic governor proceeds with a lawsuit challenging Trump's use of the troops to quell protests in Los Angeles.

⬇️ Why it matters: This decision allows Trump to maintain his authoritarian consolidation of power, as he has been able to bypass court-ordered limitations on deploying federal forces into domestic law enforcement situations.

ANALYSIS: Posse Comitatus Act Meets the President’s “Protective Powers”: What’s Next in Newsom v. Trump

What happened: The Trump regime's deployment of active-duty Marines to Los Angeles has raised questions about the scope of the President's protective powers under the Posse Comitatus Act. This piece provides a deep dive legal analysis of those issues.

Why it matters: This case involves a central legal question: whether the troops are engaged in law enforcement-like activities that are strictly necessary and incidental to the protection of federal property and functions, or if they constitute a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act.

Tennessee can ban gender transition care for minors, Supreme Court says

What happened: The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming medical care for minors.

⬇️ Why it matters: This decision undermines the rights of transgender minors and may mark a significant shift towards authoritarian consolidation, as the Trump regime seeks to restrict the autonomy and dignity of marginalized communities.

Judge says government can't limit passport sex markers for many transgender, nonbinary people

What happened: A federal judge has blocked the Trump regime from limiting passport sex markers for many transgender and nonbinary Americans, allowing them to request a male, female or "X" identification marker.

⬆️ Why it matters: This ruling upholds the constitutional rights of thousands of Americans who were marginalized by the Trump regime's discriminatory passport policy. However, given the SCOTUS decision upholding Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, the fate of this decision upon appeal remains in doubt.

US judge blocks Trump plan to tie states' transportation funds to immigration enforcement

What happened: A US federal judge blocked President Trump's plan to tie states' transportation funds to immigration enforcement, ruling that the policy violated the US Constitution.

⬆️ Why it matters: The ruling is significant because it prevents the Trump regime from using federal funding as a tool for coercing states into enforcing its hardline immigration agenda.

Congress & Lawmakers

US Senate Democrats cross the aisle to help Republicans pass crypto bill

What happened: US Senate Democrats passed a bipartisan bill regulating stablecoins, with 18 Democratic senators crossing the aisle to vote for the legislation.

⬇️ Why it matters: This development is bad news for resistance to authoritarianism because it shows that even moderate Democrats are willing to collaborate with Republicans on key issues, potentially weakening opposition to Trump's rule and paving the way for further consolidation of power. In this case, crypto is being used by Trump and his family for naked corruption, which has now received the blessing of 18 Senate Democrats.

Opinion | Schumer and Jeffries Need to Step Up and Challenge Trump on War Powers

What happened: Democratic leaders Schumer and Jeffries have failed to take decisive action against President Trump's plans for war with Iran without congressional approval.

⬇️ Why it matters: This lack of action may lead to the consolidation of authoritarian power under Trump, as he seeks to unilaterally make decisions on war without checks from Congress.

State & Local Governments

NC and SC governors to Trump: No oil drilling off our coasts

What happened: The governors of North Carolina and South Carolina sent a letter to the Trump regime asking that they not allow exploration and drilling for oil and gas off the two states' coasts.

⬆️ Why it matters: The willingness of two governors of different parties to come together to resist Trump regime weakening of environmental policy is a welcome sign..

Governor Newsom vows to keep fighting as federal court rejects Trump’s military overreach

What happened: While the Ninth Circuit Court rejected Donald Trump's claim that he could federalize the National Guard without judicial scrutiny, the court allowed him to keep control of those troops while the issue makes its way through the courts.

⬆️ Why it matters: While this decision is a serious setback for resistance, it nonetheless maintains the courts’ ability to rule on such matters, which will allow Governor Newsom to continue pushing his claim.

International Resistance

Starmer warns Trump to de-escalate in Iran

What happened: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned US President Donald Trump to de-escalate in the Iran crisis, emphasizing the need for talks on Iran's nuclear program.

⬆️ Why it matters: This is good news for resisting authoritarian consolidation, as Starmer's call for diplomacy over military action could limit Trump's ability to escalate tensions and undermine international cooperation.

Starlink rival Eutelsat pops 31% as France backs $1.55 billion capital raise

What happened: Eutelsat, a European satellite operator, has announced a $1.55 billion capital raise led by the French state, resulting in its stock price increasing 31% following the announcement.

⬆️ Why it matters: This development is good news as it deals a further economic blow to Elon Musk, who has been a key backer of the Trump regime.

As Trump shuts out migrants, Spain opens its doors and fuels economic growth

What happened: Spain's progressive policies and welcoming attitude towards migrants have fueled economic growth, contrasting with the restrictive immigration policies implemented by the Trump regime.

⬆️ Why it matters: This development is good news for resistance to authoritarianism, as it suggests that there are alternative models of governance that prioritize inclusivity and social welfare.

‘Canadian-only’ vacation deals launched by US as cross-border visits fall

What happened: The US has launched a charm offensive to woo Canadians south with 'Canadian-only' deals for everything from cheap hotel stays to pizza discounts.

⬆️ Why it matters: This development points to the continuing economic effects of a drop in tourism as other countries respond to U.S. bellicosity.

Northeastern Governors and Canadian Premiers Unite Against Trump

What happened: Northeastern governors and Canadian premiers united against Trump's policies and rhetoric, expressing concerns about the damage caused to diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between Canada and the US.

⬆️ Why it matters: This development is significant because it highlights the growing rifts between the two countries and suggests that Canada is seeking to maintain its own interests and relationships despite Trump regime's hostile actions.

Resistance Tomorrow

Vulnerabilities & Exposures

The right-wing media dogfight over war with Iran

What happened: The right-wing media in the US is divided over whether the country should intervene militarily in a potential war with Iran, with some, like Fox's Sean Hannity, advocating for US involvement, while others, such as Tucker Carlson, argue that it's not "our war."

⬆️ Why it matters: This division highlights the increasing internal conflicts within the Trumpist right and its media allies, which can erode support for authoritarian consolidation under Trump regime.

Steve Bannon: Our "special relationship" with Israel "is being broken right now by the way the Netanyahu government is dealing with us"

What happened: Steve Bannon criticizes the Netanyahu government for allegedly rushing Israel into a military operation that could lead to the US getting entangled in a regime change.

⬆️ Why it matters: This criticism suggests that the special relationship between the US and Israel is being strained, which may be seen as good news for efforts to resist Trimpist authoritarianism at home.

Trump approval falls, Israel-Iran conflict, anti-ICE protests, and vaccines: June 13-16, 2025 Economist/YouGov Poll

What happened: Trump's approval rating falls to 39%. Net approval of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's (-2) response to the LA anti-ICE protests is higher than net approval of Trump's response (-8), but fewer approve than disapprove of both responses.

⬆️ Why it matters: Trump's overall job performance ratings continue to decline, with 42% approving and 55% disapproving; his approval rating has fallen by 10 points since April, largely due to low marks on handling the economy (33%) and immigration (26%).

Generative AI Use Disclosure: Included articles are curated manually by the editors of the Resistance Sentinel. Locally hosted, open source generative AI is used to assist in the summarization of news articles. All items are read and edited by human editors before posting.