Resistance Daily Brief for 25-02-2025

Information, insight, and inspiration for resisting tyranny in America

Feb 25, 2025

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Welcome to The Resistance Sentinel, a publication dedicated to documenting and amplifying the movement to defend democracy against authoritarian rule. Our collective of researchers and analysts highlights the inspiring responses of citizens and organizations across the country while providing curated coverage of resistance activities and practical knowledge for effective engagement. Join us in turning awareness into action as we work together toward a more just and democratic future.

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Resistance Today

Civil Society & Publics

Federal workers, unions, and citizens are mounting significant resistance to Musk's demand for job justifications and mass firings of federal employees. The resistance is combining legal action with grassroots protests and satirical responses, demonstrating growing solidarity and the use of humor and mockery as tools for resistance.

What happened: A coalition of federal unions and advocacy groups amended an existing lawsuit Monday, challenging Elon Musk's order requiring approximately two million federal employees to explain their weekly accomplishments or face dismissal. The email, sent Saturday night, gave workers 48 hours to respond with "approx. 5 bullets" of their accomplishments, with Musk claiming "failure to respond will be taken as a resignation". Several federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, State, Energy, Health and Human Services, and Homeland Security, instructed their employees to disregard the email. Meanwhile, internet users flooded the response email with spam and vulgar content to protest Musk's actions while GOP Congressional representatives continued to receive harsh rebuke from citizens at town hall meetings in red states.
Why it matters: This confrontation highlights the crucial role of organized labor and civil society in protecting democratic institutions from arbitrary power. The unions' legal challenge represents a formal resistance mechanism, arguing that OPM violated the Administrative Procedure Act by sending an email from an unauthorized address without proper official identification. Simultaneously, the creative resistance through satirical responses and public demonstrations—like those seen at Rep. Mark Alford's heated town hall in Missouri—demonstrates how humor and collective action can effectively challenge authority. These complementary approaches show how both institutional and grassroots resistance can work together to defend workers' rights and government stability against what unions have called "one of the most massive employment frauds in the history of this country."

Bureaucratic & Executive

The Office of Special Counsel has ruled that six federal employee firings under the DOGE purge were unlawful, a decision that could impact numerous other terminated employees across federal agencies. This ruling represents a significant legal challenge to the Trump administration's federal workforce purge, potentially offering a path to reinstatement for affected workers, including those at national parks where employees are publicly protesting the cuts.

What happened: The Office of Special Counsel has determined that the firings of six probationary federal employees from different agencies as part of the DOGE purge were unlawful. The decision was issued by Hampton Dellinger, whom Trump had recently attempted to fire before being blocked by a federal judge. While the ruling technically applies only to these six specific cases, it likely has broader implications for many other employees terminated in the recent purge. At Yosemite National Park, employees hung an upside-down American flag over El Capitan during the popular "firefall" event as a protest against recent downsizing carried out under the Trump administration's cost-cutting initiatives.
Why it matters: This ruling creates a significant legal precedent that could undermine the administration's broader effort to remove federal workers deemed disloyal. The public protest at Yosemite, witnessed by visitors from around the world during one of the park's busiest periods, demonstrates growing resistance from federal employees concerned about sustainability of operations at national parks. Park officials nationwide have expressed concerns about how these abrupt firings will impact the National Park Service, with affected workers like Iowa park ranger Brian Gibbs sharing their termination experiences publicly, generating substantial social media attention and potentially rallying public support against the administration's actions.

Legal & Judicial

Federal judges are blocking key Trump administration initiatives while local authorities take action against security overreach. These judicial interventions signal growing resistance to policies that potentially violate constitutional rights and privacy protections.

What happened: City prosecutors in Coeur d'Alene dismissed charges against Teresa Borrenpohl who was forcibly removed from a legislative town hall by plainclothes security guards, and revoked the security company's business license for violating city ordinances. A federal judge has barred the Office of Personnel Management and Education Department from sharing sensitive personal information with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), ruling that such disclosure appears to breach federal privacy laws. The judge described the ongoing access to sensitive data like Social Security numbers and home addresses as "irreparable harm" and potentially risky. Additionally, courts have reportedly blocked Trump administration policies allowing ICE raids in certain places of worship.
Why it matters: These judicial interventions represent significant challenges to the Trump administration's implementation of controversial policies. The DOGE ruling could severely disrupt Musk's efforts to reshape the federal workforce through government-wide initiatives, including his recent demand that all government employees report their weekly activities. The dismissal of charges against Borrenpohl and revocation of the security company's license demonstrates local authorities' willingness to protect free speech rights against overreach. Together, these actions indicate an emerging pattern of institutional resistance through legal channels that may force the administration to justify its actions and operate with greater transparency, potentially slowing the implementation of its agenda.

Lawmakers & Legislature

Democratic leadership in Congress continues to fail at mounting an effective resistance against the Trump-Musk administration's systematic dismantling of federal agencies through DOGE, with House Democratic Leader Jeffries and Senate Democratic Leader Schumer showing little urgency in their sporadic criticisms. The Democrats' tepid response and lack of coordinated leadership means they are losing the narrative battle and threatening not just their political future but the functioning of essential government services that protect Americans.

What happened: Democratic leaders Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries have been largely passive in response to the Trump-Musk "blitzkrieg" on federal government agencies. Jeffries has made only intermittent criticisms of the administration, comparing Democrats' strategy to baseball player Aaron Judge's selective swinging, while questioning what leverage Democrats actually have. Meanwhile, Trump and Musk continue daily assaults on numerous agencies including USAID, EPA, NIH, CDC, and others, firing thousands of government workers and dismantling critical programs. Some Democratic legislators like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Chris Murphy recognize this as a "five-alarm, break-glass moment," but most party leaders appear to be watching from the sidelines.
Why it matters: The Democrats' tepid response threatens not just their political future but the functioning of essential government services that protect Americans. Without coordinated leadership, the party is losing the narrative battle against Trump and Musk's propaganda that they are eliminating waste and inefficiency. The destruction being wrought on government agencies will be difficult to repair even if Democrats regain power, as expertise is being lost and necessary programs eliminated. Democratic voters are demanding stronger action, with some even protesting Jeffries' book tour, calling for real resistance instead of strategic patience. The party needs a collective war room approach with daily counterassaults across all media platforms to combat what AOC describes as "the culmination of what oligarchy is all about."

Democrats are MIA—just when the country needs them to counter the Trump-Musk blitzkrieg

State & Local Governments

An Idaho sheriff faces investigation after a woman was forcibly removed from a legislative town hall in Coeur d'Alene, while the security company involved has lost its license and battery charges against the woman have been dropped. This is a clear case of backfire, where violent authoritarian overreaction works against their attempt at repression.

What happened: Two days after a legislative town hall in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris is under investigation after he directed private security guards to forcibly remove Teresa Borrenpohl from the event. Borrenpohl, a former Democratic candidate for Idaho's House of Representatives, was jeering speakers when Norris confronted her and summoned guards from private security company Lear Asset Management who dragged her out as she screamed "Who are these men?" The City of Coeur d'Alene has since revoked Lear's security license for violations of city code, and police have dropped the battery citation initially issued to Borrenpohl for biting one of the guards during the incident.
Why it matters: This incident represents a significant clash between free speech rights and attempts to control public discourse in politically divided communities. Coeur d'Alene Police Chief Lee White has stated he believes Borrenpohl's removal was inappropriate under the First Amendment, highlighting the constitutional issues at stake. The case raises important questions about whether the town hall was a public forum or private event, as organizer Brent Regan claims, and demonstrates how local authorities can either protect or undermine democratic norms. With multiple investigations now underway and significant public support for Borrenpohl (evidenced by a $200,000 GoFundMe), this incident reflects broader tensions around democratic backsliding and resistance to authoritarian tactics at the local level. This is a clear example of the phenomenon of “backfire” in nonviolent struggle, where an overreaction on the part of authorities backfires on them.

Media & Tech

Cable and network news outlets MSNBC and NBC witnessed the loss of at least six journalists and commentators of color through firing or resignation while other publications, like The New Yorker, pushed back on authoritarianism. This represents another indicator of the weak response of corporate media to authoritarian power consolidation.

What happened: MSNBC has canceled Joy Reid's primetime show "The ReidOut" after four years on air, with her final broadcast set for July 26. Reid, who joined MSNBC in 2011, was the first Black woman to host a primetime cable news program when her show launched in 2020. Additionally, MSNBC has also canceled Ayman Mohyeldin's weekend program, though he will continue to serve as a foreign correspondent. Meanwhile, Lester Holt has resigned as anchor of "NBC Nightly News" but will remain as anchor of Dateline on NBC. Other non-white anchors were also shown the door at MSNBC, including Jonothan Capehart and Katie Phang.
Why it matters: The removal of prominent non-white anchors from MSNBC's lineup comes at a particularly sensitive moment in American politics, as the country faces increasing threats to democratic institutions and growing authoritarian movements. These cancellations reduce diverse perspectives in mainstream media at a time when pro-democracy voices are essential for maintaining an informed electorate. The programming shifts reflect broader challenges facing cable news networks, which have experienced significant viewership declines in recent months. These developments underscore the importance of maintaining diverse media voices that can effectively document and communicate democratic backsliding.

International Resistance

French President Emmanuel Macron publicly challenged President Donald Trump's claims about Ukraine aid and urged caution in U.S.-Russia peace talks, while European financial institutions continue to divest from companies close to the Trump regime. This is an example of growing international resistance and willingness to take adverse economic actions against entities that help prop up the regime

What happened: During a joint Oval Office appearance on Monday, February 24, 2025, Macron fact-checked Trump when the U.S. President claimed Europe was being repaid 60% of its Ukraine aid, with Macron asserting that Europe had actually "paid 60% of the total effort" through loans, guarantees, and grants. In a Fox News interview, Macron warned Trump to "be careful" in U.S.-Russia negotiations aimed at ending the 3-year-old war. Meanwhile, Dutch pension fund ABP has taken significant economic action by selling all of its shares in tech giants Alphabet and Meta, this after already divesting from Elon Musk’s Tesla. This demonstrates some European financial institutions' willingness to divest from powerful corporations when their practices conflict with European values and interests.
Why it matters: Macron's direct challenge to Trump represents a significant moment of European resistance to the new U.S. administration's approach to the Ukraine conflict, demonstrating Europe's determination to protect its substantial investment in Ukraine's defense. The Dutch pension fund's divestment from major U.S. tech companies simultaneously shows how European financial institutions are willing to use economic leverage to assert their values and interests independently of U.S. influence. Together, these actions reflect a broader pattern of European resistance against both Russian aggression and American dominance, using both diplomatic confrontation and economic measures to maintain European autonomy in an increasingly multipolar world. International support, including economic actions that undercut an authoritarian regime’s corporate backers, are important for successful resistance.

Resistance Organizations, Resources & Opportunities

🚨THIS WEEK🚨

Nationwide 24-Hour Economic Blackout Aims to Challenge Corporate Power

What happened: The People's Union USA, led by John Schwarz, is organizing a nationwide economic protest called the "Feb 28 Economic Blackout" asking Americans to halt all purchases from major retailers for 24 hours on February 28, 2025. The protest comes amid rising consumer prices and corporate rollbacks of DEI programs, with participants being urged to avoid spending at major chains like Amazon, Walmart, and fast-food establishments while supporting local businesses instead.

Why it matters: The economic blackout represents a significant test of collective consumer power against corporate interests, potentially demonstrating how coordinated action can influence corporate behavior and policy. While experts suggest a single-day boycott may have minimal direct financial impact, the movement's planned escalation to week-long targeted boycotts could create more substantial pressure on specific companies. The protest's focus on both economic justice and DEI rollbacks highlights growing public frustration with corporate practices and could serve as a catalyst for broader systemic changes in how major companies approach worker compensation and social responsibility initiatives.

Organizations Planning Regular Resistance Actions

Organizations and Resources

Vulnerabilities & Exposures

President Trump's military purge is causing alarm among respected military voices as frustrations with DOGE spread among his own agency heads. This creates vulnerabilities within important pillars of regime support--security forces and the bureaucracy--that the resistance can exploit through strategic organizing and pressure campaigns.

What happened: President Trump has fired several senior military leaders without cause, including General Charles Q. Brown Jr. (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff), General James Slife, and Admiral Lisa Franchetti, along with three judge advocates general (JAGs) who serve as the military's top legal authorities. These dismissals represent an unprecedented politicization of the professional military, with the removal of the JAGs being particularly alarming as they have independent legal authority to determine when orders are unlawful. The firings appear to be part of a broader pattern where DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), led by Elon Musk, is implementing sweeping changes across government agencies, often without coordinating with Cabinet secretaries or other political appointees.
Why it matters: The removal of these military leaders threatens the traditional non-partisan nature of the U.S. armed forces, potentially making political loyalty a criterion for high military positions. The dismissal of the top military lawyers is especially concerning as it suggests an attempt to replace independent legal authorities with officials more willing to interpret laws according to the administration's desires. However, these actions expose significant vulnerabilities in the regime: the growing tensions between Cabinet secretaries and DOGE create potential fractures within the administration that resistance movements can exploit; the alienation of career military professionals provides opportunities to induce defections among those loyal to the regime; and the overreach creates legal and constitutional vulnerabilities that can be challenged through strategic litigation. For resistance movements, these vulnerabilities present opportunities to build pressure through economic noncooperation, labor action, and targeted campaigns to induce defections among key pillars of support. The regime's actions also create openings for pro-democracy forces to document abuses, build alternative community power structures, and develop a united front that can effectively challenge authoritarian consolidation through coordinated, strategic nonviolent resistance.

Resistance School

The French Resistance offers crucial lessons for modern democracy defense, showing how ordinary citizens can effectively resist authoritarian control through strategic noncooperation, information warfare, and community power-building rather than armed conflict.

What happened: The article "So, You've Been Invaded: A French Resistance Survival Guide for the U.S." examines how the French Resistance operated during Nazi occupation and extracts lessons for potential democratic backsliding today. When France fell to Nazi Germany in 1940, citizens responded through various resistance methods including sabotage, information warfare through secret newspapers and radio broadcasts, underground networks to smuggle people to safety, and civil disobedience. The article connects these historical tactics to modern concerns about potential authoritarian threats to democratic institutions.
Why it matters: This historical analysis provides a strategic framework for nonviolent resistance that remains relevant for contemporary democracy defense. The article emphasizes that effective resistance requires building parallel systems of governance, strategic noncooperation by government employees, control of information through independent media networks, and decentralized power structures that prevent easy authoritarian capture. Rather than focusing solely on armed resistance, the French Resistance example demonstrates how everyday citizens can effectively undermine authoritarian control through coordinated nonviolent actions that gradually erode the regime's legitimacy and functionality.

So, You've Been Invaded: A French Resistance Survival Guide for the U.S.

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