Harvard Fights Back, Indivisible Grows, and Governors Defy Trump – The Resistance Brief for 26 May 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. As Trump’s authoritarian machine rolls on, the resistance is striking back on every front—from federal courtrooms to red-state protests. Scientists are organizing. Harvard is fighting back. Governors are bypassing Trump’s trade wars. And even Fox News and Tucker Carlson are poking holes in the regime's corruption. Join us in turning awareness into action as we work together toward a more just and democratic future. But first…
Resistance Sentinel Updates
We are making a change to our format and content. Our goal has always been to help keep the resistance informed about the broader movement and its activities, as well as regime vulnerabilities that offer opportunities for exploitation. But we’ve also wanted to provide analysis and education. Unfortunately, the news curation portion of our project has taken up most of our time each week. Additionally, several readers have commented that our updates are just too long!
So, today we’re starting an experiment with a new, more concise format based on our original inspiration for this project, the Trump Tyranny Tracker by Olga Lautman. She does a fantastic job keeping us up to date on Trump’s authoritarian consolidation. Our goal has always been to try to do the same, but for the resistance to Trump Tyranny. So, going forward, we’re “stealing like an artist” and following her format for our updates as well.
We hope to provide these news updates more often but in a more concise format and in a way that takes less time for us to produce. The end goal is to free us up to provide more commentary, analysis, and educational materials about civil resistance to authoritarianism.
But now, on with the show and your…
Daily Inspiration
A storm trooper infiltrated a pro-MAGA protest carrying a sign that reads, “I stand with the EMPIRE.” MAGA can be heard saying, “I think he’s making fun of us.” Ya think?
Humor is a weapon. See, “laughtivism.”
Civil Society & Publics
Now is the time for scientists to stand up against Trump’s repressive agenda
What happened: Scientists are increasingly taking a stand against the Trump regime's repressive agenda, organizing protests and meetings with elected representatives to resist attacks on federal research funding, environmental protections, and democracy.
⬆️ Why it matters: This shift marks an important moment of resistance against authoritarian consolidation, as scientists use their skills in coalition-building, narrative creation, and advocacy to push back against the erosion of democratic norms and the spread of hate.
Indivisible: the mass movement leading the progressive fight against Trump
What happened: Indivisible, a progressive social movement, has experienced a surge in new chapters forming across the US, with nearly 2,000 active groups registered nationwide.
⬆️ Why it matters: The growth of Indivisible is a response to the rapid authoritarian consolidation under the Trump regime. Its leaders are preparing for sustained protests and organizing efforts to resist what they see as an attack on democracy.
Trump Profits Like No Other President, as Outrage Is Muted
What happened: President Trump has used the presidency to accumulate massive personal wealth through business deals with foreign governments, including Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while disregarding traditional standards of ethics and self-imposed limits. Nonetheless, outrage over this naked corruption remains muted.
⬇️ Why it matters: While experts and politicians alike warn about Trump’s corruption and the abuse of power in the presidency, with some calling it an "absolute outlier case" of presidential graft, such behavior is not drawing the level of public outrage we might expect. It’s another instance of public apathy towards the rapid normalization of authoritarianism.
Anti-Trump protest planned for Memorial Day weekend
What happened: A series of protests against the policies of Donald Trump's regime took place over the Memorial Day weekend in multiple cities across deep red Mississippi.
⬆️ Why it matters: This development is good news for resistance to authoritarianism, as it indicates a growing public disapproval and willingness to protest against Trump policies even in a solidly red state.
Philly Democratic PAC smashes (their own) Tesla to protest Musk and DOGE
What happened: A group called FUBAR PAC organized a protest event in which they smashed a 2023 Tesla Model Y to demonstrate their opposition to the cuts made by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk.
⬆️ Why it matters: The event was seen as a cathartic release of frustration and anger among those affected by the cuts, but also highlighted the group's willingness to use unconventional methods to bring attention to what they perceive as Republican incompetence.
Transcript: Trump’s Vile New Attack on Harvard Is Already Backfiring
What happened: Trump’s regime revoked Harvard’s ability to enroll foreign students as political retaliation, prompting backlash and likely legal challenges.
⬆️ Why it matters: This authoritarian move has sparked resistance across academia, with signs of growing solidarity and public support against Trump’s assault on universities.
Congress & Lawmakers
Democrats push to strip Trump of authority over police agency that protects judges — as threats against judges surge
What happened: Senate Democrats will formally introduce legislation to transfer control of the U.S. Marshals Service to the court system itself, which would help insulate the agency from possible interference and politicization by the Trump regime.
⬆️ Why it matters: The move is a response to increasing threats against federal judges and could mark a significant shift in the balance of power between the executive branch and the judiciary.
Democrats Still Searching for a Path Forward Months After 2024 Election
What happened: The Democratic Party's standing has plummeted to 27 percent approval in a recent NBC News poll, with communities that Democrats once counted on veering towards the right, and the party faces structural challenges including a Senate map tilted to the right and an Electoral College where blue and battleground states are losing population.
⬇️ Why it matters: The Democratic Party's downward trend suggests authoritarian consolidation under Trump regime, where the country has shifted markedly to the right, and Democrats must find ways to compete in states where they're not strong, or risk losing further ground.
State & Local Government
Newsom to sue Trump after Senate blocks California EV rules
What happened: California Governor Gavin Newsom is suing the Trump regime after the Senate voted to block a California clean air rule that would ban the sale of gas-powered cars by 2035.
⬆️ Why it matters: The lawsuit is significant because it challenges the Trump regime's efforts to undermine California's environmental policies and roll back its emissions standards, which could have far-reaching consequences for public health and the environment.
In California, Gavin Newsom championed this innovative healthcare—now, under pressure from Trump, he wants to cut it
What happened: Governor Gavin Newsom is under pressure to cut the innovative healthcare program Medi-Cal, which he championed but now faces a $12 billion budget deficit, in part due to pressure from the Trump regime.
⬇️ Why it matters: This move would have profound repercussions for the estimated 1.6 million undocumented immigrants who rely on Medi-Cal, highlighting the erosion of access to healthcare under authoritarian consolidation efforts.
Elon Musk's DOGE prompts New York leaders to take aim at Tesla
What happened: New York state leaders are seeking to condemn billionaire Elon Musk's actions within the Trump regime by targeting his company Tesla with a bill that would limit the state's tax breaks for electric vehicle manufacturers.
⬆️ Why it matters: The move is aimed at sending a message against Musk's role in slashing government programs and jobs through his "DOGE" initiative, which has been criticized for its scale and pace.
US governors sidestep Trump, open trade talks with Canadian premiers
What happened: US governors are bypassing the Trump regime's trade war by hosting a meeting with Canadian premiers to discuss preserving cross-border economic ties.
⬆️ Why it matters: This development represents a significant challenge to Trump's authoritarian consolidation efforts, as it showcases the ability of state and provincial governments to resist federal policies and assert their own interests.
Legal & Judicial
Judge orders the Trump administration to return a Guatemalan man to the U.S.
What happened: A federal judge has ordered the Trump regime to facilitate the return of a Guatemalan man to the U.S., citing lack of due process in his initial deportation to Mexico.
⬆️ Why it matters: This ruling adds to the growing string of judicial findings against recent Trump regime deportations, highlighting concerns about the treatment and protection of asylum seekers under the Trump regime.
Court halts Trump administration’s effort to send eight men to South Sudan
What happened: A US federal court has halted the Trump regime's effort to send eight men to South Sudan, ruling that they must receive adequate notice and a minimum of 15 days to contest their deportation.
⬆️ Why it matters: This decision is good news for resistance to authoritarianism as it upholds international human rights standards and protects individuals from being removed without proper notification or legal process.
Judge temporarily blocks Trump plan to stop Harvard enrolling foreign students
What happened: A US judge has temporarily blocked the Trump regime's plan to strip Harvard University of its ability to enroll foreign students, citing a "blatant violation" of the law and free speech rights.
⬆️ Why it matters: This ruling is good news for resistance to authoritarianism, as it protects an elite institution from overreach by the executive branch and underscores the importance of academic freedom and diversity.
Judge strikes down Trump’s sanctions against Jenner & Block law firm
What happened: A federal judge struck down President Donald Trump's executive order sanctioning the law firm Jenner & Block, ruling that the president's actions were unconstitutional and violated the separation of powers.
⬆️ Why it matters: This decision undermines Trump regime efforts to consolidate power and suppress dissent, as it sets a precedent for courts to limit the president's ability to punish firms or individuals who disagree with their policies.
SCOTUS Allows Trump to Fire Two Independent Federal Board Members As Litigation Continues
What happened: The US Supreme Court has allowed President Trump to fire two independent federal board members without cause, dealing a significant blow to the viability of their lawsuits and potentially expanding Trump's powers.
⬇️ Why it matters: This decision contributes to authoritarian consolidation by weakening checks on presidential power and undermining the protection of independent agencies from undue influence.
Federal Judge Stops Trump from Dissolving Education Department, Deals Blow to Executive Overreach
What happened: A federal judge blocked President Donald Trump's plan to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education, ruling that his effort was an attempt to dismantle a federal agency beyond presidential authority.
⬆️ Why it matters: This decision is good news for resistance to authoritarianism as it limits the executive branch's ability to unilaterally dismantle critical government agencies and undermines the Trump regime's efforts at consolidation.
Media & Tech
Opinion: Yes, There Was A Media Scandal In 2024. No, It Wasn’t About Joe Biden.
What happened: The media's failure to critically cover Donald Trump's actions leading up to the January 6, 2021, insurrection allowed him to return to power due to public apathy and a lack of scrutiny on his claims.
⬇️ Why it matters: The normalization of Trump's behavior by the media contributed to the erosion of democratic norms and the consolidation of authoritarian power in the US.
International Resistance
EU chief secures tariffs delay until July 9 after call with Trump
What happened: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen secured a delay in tariffs from the US until July 9 after a call with President Donald Trump, reducing the risk of an all-out transatlantic trade war.
⬆️ Why it matters: This development is good news for resistance to authoritarianism, as it reduces the likelihood of further escalation and conflict between the EU and the US under Trump's leadership.
King travels to support Canada as it fends off Trump
What happened: King Charles III travels to Canada to support the country as it fends off President Trump's threat to make it the 51st US state.
⬆️ Why it matters: The visit is seen as a sign of solidarity with Canada, which has been criticized for its perceived weakness in responding to Trump's aggressive rhetoric, and marks a significant departure from the UK's traditionally close relationship with the US.
Vulnerabilities & Exposures
Even Fox News Grilled Treasury Secretary on Budget Bill Math
What happened: Fox News challenged Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over the Trump regime's dubious math behind its budget bill, highlighting massive Medicaid cuts and a soaring national debt driven by tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy.
⬆️ Why it matters: The rare critical scrutiny from Fox News indicates cracks in conservative media support, potentially undermining Trump’s narrative and impeding authoritarian consolidation.
Tucker Carlson on Trump Organization Middle East deals: ‘Seems like corruption’
What happened: Tucker Carlson and podcast guest Shawn Ryan agreed that Trump’s simultaneous foreign policy deals and Trump Organization business ventures in the Middle East “seem like corruption.”
⬆️ Why it matters: Public criticism from prominent right-wing figures undermines the Trump regime’s authoritarian consolidation by fracturing its media support and raising corruption concerns.
Opinion | Trump Is Immensely Vulnerable
What happened: President Trump's vulnerabilities have been highlighted due to his deep corruption, using his office to enrich himself, and his actions hurting the economy and damaging voters' wallets.
⬆️ Why it matters: This article suggests that Trump is a vulnerability for critics of authoritarianism, providing an opportunity for resistance to challenge his regime.
Thanks for reading or listening today! We hope you will benefit from this more concise, focused format. Please feel free to leave your feedback. We are constantly trying to improve the way we curate and deliver resistance news to you. We truly believe that remaining informed is vital to the success of the resistance and our goal is to help keep all resisters informed.
Love the updated format. ✊️