Resistance Daily Brief for 26 February 2025

Information, insight, and inspiration for resisting tyranny in America

Feb 26, 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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Civil Society & Publics

Working people across the U.S. have organized 104 actions in 31 states to protest against Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) mass firing of federal workers. These nationwide demonstrations represent growing resistance against cuts to essential government services that millions of Americans depend on, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs benefits.

What happened: Working people held grassroots events through the "Department of People Who Work for a Living" to protest against Elon Musk and DOGE's actions targeting federal workers and government programs. As Congress members spent time in their districts, workers organized 104 actions across 31 states and Washington D.C., including town halls, rallies, and protests. Federal employees who lost their jobs spoke out about the personal impact of these cuts and expressed concerns about how these firings affect their communities and the services they provide.
Why it matters: These protests highlight growing organized resistance against what workers perceive as attacks on essential government services that millions of Americans rely on. The testimonies from fired federal workers—including environmental scientists, forest rangers, and EPA employees—reveal potential degradation of critical services in areas like environmental protection, emergency response, and community support. The widespread nature of these protests (spanning 31 states) demonstrates that opposition to these cuts extends beyond partisan politics and reflects genuine concern about maintaining government services that support vulnerable populations.

ICYMI: People Who Work for a Living Are Fed Up with Unelected Billionaire Elon Musk and DOGE | AFL-CIO

Protests against Trump administration policies and Elon Musk's controversial behavior signal growing resistance movements across the United States. Demonstrations against Trump's NIH funding freeze and Tesla boycotts reflect citizens mobilizing to defend democratic values and hold powerful figures accountable through collective action.

What happened: Widespread protests have emerged across the United States in response to both the Trump administration's policies and Elon Musk's controversial behavior. Scientists in Seattle have protested Trump's freeze on NIH grant money that threatens $1.3 billion in Washington state biomedical research, warning these policies would severely impact research budgets nationwide. Meanwhile, Tesla is experiencing significant sales declines, with European sales falling 45% in January and California sales dropping 12% last year, as consumers reject the brand following Musk's controversial political activities, including making gestures resembling a Nazi salute at Trump's inauguration. Tesla showrooms have been vandalized in the Netherlands, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, with weekend protests staged at dozens of the company's stores across the US.
Why it matters: These parallel protest movements represent a significant mobilization of civil society in response to perceived threats to democratic values and norms. The resistance to Trump's funding freeze demonstrates how scientists and researchers are organizing to protect vital institutions from executive overreach, while the consumer boycott of Tesla shows how ordinary citizens are using economic power as a form of political expression. As scholars like Erica Chenoweth and Zoe Marks have noted, building "a large-scale, multiracial, cross-class, pro-democracy united front" is essential for contesting authoritarian trends, with protests serving as crucial "flashpoints" for building resilient movements. The widespread nature of these demonstrations, from university campuses to Tesla showrooms, illustrates how diverse segments of society are fighting for democratic values rather than merely resisting, potentially forming the foundation for a broader pro-democracy coalition.

Bureaucratic & Executive

Twenty-one U.S. Digital Service employees resigned in protest against Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), citing concerns over dismantling federal agencies, mishandling sensitive data, and breaking critical systems. This mass resignation represents growing resistance from career federal officials against DOGE team members who have ties to Musk's companies but little government experience, highlighting tensions between traditional public service values and the new administration's approach to government efficiency.

What happened: Twenty-one employees of the U.S. Digital Service, comprising about one-third of the remaining staff, resigned on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, rather than continue working under Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These resignations follow earlier termination notices sent to approximately one-third of the agency's staff on February 14. In their joint resignation letter addressed to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, the former employees, who previously held senior roles at tech companies like Google and Amazon, stated they could no longer honor their commitments to serve the American people under DOGE's leadership.
Why it matters: The mass resignation represents a significant clash between career federal officials and DOGE team members, many of whom have connections to Musk's companies but limited government experience. The resigning employees cited alarming breaches of security protocol, including unidentified interviewers questioning staff about political loyalty, and accused DOGE of "firing technical experts, mishandling sensitive data and breaking critical systems." This resistance has formalized through the creation of WeTheBuilders, a collective of current and former federal workers who oppose Trump's federal efficiency plans and share inside stories about DOGE's overhaul, potentially undermining the administration's government reform efforts.

Legal & Judicial

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has sued the Trump administration to unfreeze over $2 billion in federal funding allocated to Pennsylvania agencies, challenging what he describes as an unlawful funding freeze that impacts critical environmental and social programs. A federal judge has extended a block on President Trump's federal funding freeze, describing the administration's actions as "irrational, imprudent, and precipitated a nationwide crisis" while criticizing contradictory messaging from the White House.

What happened: Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Thursday seeking to unfreeze over $2 billion in federal funding allocated to Pennsylvania state agencies. The funding freeze began with a January 27 memo from Trump's Office of Management and Budget, which was technically rescinded two days later but remained effectively in place. Federal judges in Rhode Island and Washington, D.C. had previously granted temporary restraining orders against the freeze, and on Tuesday, District Judge Loren AliKhan extended this block by issuing a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration's blanket freeze on governmental grants and loans.
Why it matters: The judicial victories against the Trump administration's funding freeze are critically important as they demonstrate the potential for what remains of checks and balances to constrain executive overreach. By issuing a preliminary injunction, Judge AliKhan defended the principle that a president's ability to unilaterally withhold congressionally appropriated funds is limited or nonexistent, protecting the constitutional separation of powers. These court rulings not only secured the immediate release of billions in essential funding for environmental protection, infrastructure, and social welfare programs in Pennsylvania and nationwide, but they shored up legal guardrails that will hopefully make similar funding freezes more difficult in the future. The administration's eventual compliance with these court orders, despite initial resistance, reinforces that judicial intervention remains a potentially effective tool for civil society to defend democratic norms when facing attempts to consolidate executive power.

State & Local Governments

The University of Pennsylvania has dismantled DEI initiatives following Trump administration directives, causing Philadelphia lawmakers to walk out of a meeting with the university president and highlighting growing tensions between educational institutions and government officials over diversity policies. This confrontation, alongside other incidents like the viral Mills-Trump exchange in Maine, demonstrates how state and local officials are pushing back against Trump initiatives impacting their states.

What happened: Two Philadelphia lawmakers walked out of a meeting with University of Pennsylvania President Larry Jameson on February 25, 2025, after a university administrator referred to diversity as a "lightning rod." State Senator Art Haywood and Representative Napoleon Nelson left the 90-minute meeting early, with Haywood describing it as "bullshit." Other officials, including City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and State Senator Anthony Williams, criticized Penn for abandoning its founding values by removing dozens of DEI initiatives, programs, and committees from its website in response to President Trump's executive orders. Penn cited an "existential threat" including potential $250 million reduction in federal research funding, which has already led to 35% cuts in graduate admissions at its medical school.
Why it matters: Penn's actions reflect a concerning trend of institutions preemptively dismantling diversity programs despite legal experts noting Trump's executive orders lack full legal weight. State lawmakers are now threatening to withhold funding for Penn's research and expansion efforts, with Senator Williams stating they cannot support a university taking steps against DEI that aren't "based upon the law." This confrontation, along with the viral exchange between Maine Governor Janet Mills and President Trump over federal funding, illustrates how both educational and state institutions are being forced to choose between federal compliance and maintaining commitments to diversity and inclusion. These developments suggest a growing resistance movement among local and state officials against federal policies they view as undermining progress on equity and inclusion.

Media & Tech

Bluesky temporarily removed a viral AI-generated protest video showing Trump and Musk in an explicit scene, while billionaire Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos announces a new editorial policy for the paper. These incidents provide further evidence of corporate and social media platforms’ failures to resist authoritarian consolidation and to cover resistance movements fairly.

What happened: Bluesky deleted a viral AI-generated protest video showing Donald Trump sucking Elon Musk's toes that was broadcast on televisions inside the Housing and Urban Development office as an act of protest. Independent journalist Marisa Kabas, who obtained and shared the video, challenged the deletion, arguing it was legitimate news in the public interest documenting protest against what she called a "fascist regime." After the story gained attention, Bluesky reversed its decision, acknowledging they had applied their non-consensual AI content policy too strictly without considering the newsworthy context. Meanwhile, the Washington Post has faced criticism regarding its coverage of the Trump administration, raising concerns about corporate media's role in covering political power. Those concerns were heightened when billionaire owner Jeff Bezos announced a new editorial policy for the paper to emphasize individual and economic freedom, seen by many as code for right-leaning culture, values, and policies. As a result, the paper’s opinion page editor resigned.
Why it matters: These incidents highlight the tension between content moderation policies and reporting on political protests during a contentious administration. While Bluesky initially cited violation of "non-consensual explicit material" rules, critics pointed out that social media platforms typically have exceptions for criticism of public figures, especially political leaders. The situation demonstrates how platform moderation decisions can potentially suppress documentation of resistance activities, particularly when automated systems or strict policy interpretations are applied without considering journalistic context or public interest. The parallel concerns about the Washington Post's coverage suggest a broader pattern of corporate media and social platforms potentially limiting critical reporting on powerful political figures, which could undermine efforts to document resistance against authoritarian tendencies.

International Resistance

Americans in Kyiv and Canadians at home are mounting protests against the Trump administration's shift in foreign policy, with demonstrators in Ukraine condemning the president's tilt toward Russia and Canadians responding to tariff threats and annexation rhetoric by rallying around their national symbols.

What happened: A small group of American citizens gathered outside the US Embassy in Kyiv to protest the Trump administration's bilateral negotiations with Russia that sideline Ukraine. Demonstrators including Gregory Huey, Eddie Etue, and Bill Cole expressed dismay at Trump's refusal to name Russia as the aggressor and his growing relationship with Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, in Canada, coffee shops have renamed "Americano" drinks as "Canadianos" to protest Trump's tariffs and annexation rhetoric, while Canadian flag sales have surged from 1 to approximately 300 daily at one Nova Scotia shop.

Why it matters: These protests reflect growing international concern about the dramatic shift in US foreign policy that appears to be abandoning traditional allies in favor of closer ties with authoritarian regimes. The demonstrations in Kyiv highlight the fear and frustration among Ukrainians and their American supporters who see the US withdrawal of support as potentially devastating for Ukraine's defense against Russian aggression. In Canada, the symbolic resistance through consumer choices and flag displays indicates how Trump's aggressive posture is inadvertently strengthening Canadian national identity and resolve against perceived American imperialism, creating new challenges for US-allied relationships in North America.

Resistance Tomorrow

Vulnerabilities & Exposures

Veterans of Foreign Wars National Commander condemns Trump, Musk, and DOGE administration for firing veterans and federal workers without due process. This extraordinary statement from a major Veterans Service Organization leader calls on VFW members nationwide to join him in testifying before Congress on March 4.

What happened: The VFW National Commander has publicly criticized the Trump, Musk, and DOGE administration for arbitrarily firing veterans and other federal workers. In an unusual move for a leader of a major Veterans Service Organization, he has called on VFW members from around the country to join him when he testifies before a joint session of the Congressional Committees on Veterans Affairs on March 4, 2025. This public stance represents a significant break from the typically non-partisan positioning of veterans' organizations.
Why it matters: This development signals growing resistance within traditionally non-partisan institutions against what many experts are describing as democratic backsliding. The VFW's stance is particularly significant as it represents an organization with members across the political spectrum coming together to defend veterans' employment rights. The mobilization of veterans - a group that typically commands respect across political divides - could potentially serve as a powerful counterforce to the administration's actions against federal workers, which have already seen thousands terminated without due process.

Veterans of Foreign Wars' National Commander calls out Trump, Musk, and DOGE

Republicans face unprecedented challenge as potential government shutdown looms with proposed Medicaid cuts and DOGE's rapid actions sparking constituent backlash. The situation reveals growing tensions within the Republican party as lawmakers attempt to balance fiscal conservatism with constituent needs while facing a March 14 deadline.

What happened: The Republican-led government is facing a potential historic shutdown by March 14 if budget legislation isn't passed, which would be unprecedented for a party controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House. House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing a budget framework with $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending reductions, including an $880 billion cut to Medicaid. Meanwhile, Republican Representatives Rich McCormick and Cliff Bentz are returning to Capitol Hill after facing angry constituents at town halls, with concerns about the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its rapid implementation of changes affecting government benefits.

Why it matters: The Republicans' narrow three-seat majority in the House means just two defectors could derail the budget bill and trigger a shutdown, with political betting markets placing shutdown odds above 60%. Republican lawmakers are caught between party leadership's fiscal goals and constituent concerns, particularly regarding Medicaid cuts that would impact vulnerable populations. Representatives are now calling for more compassion and coordination between the executive and legislative branches, with McCormick planning to convey these concerns directly to President Trump. This internal party conflict highlights the challenges of implementing significant government reforms while maintaining voter support ahead of future elections.

And speaking of literal vulnerabilities and exposures, we present (without comment):

Actions This Week

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🚨FRIDAY, 2/28 - 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.

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