Resistance on the Ropes - Resistance Brief for 30 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. We start this week with light news on the resistance front. Last week ended with a disastrous ruling from the Supreme Court and rolled into a weekend that witnessed senators advance a budget bill that will gut services while, more importantly, further eroding the power of the courts and enabling Trump authoritarian consolidation. While protests against the regime continue, they are scattered. Congressional Democrats fight a rear guard action at best against the passage of Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.” Meanwhile, Democratic party elites are turning on their own candidate for mayor in New York City, spreading right-wing lies about his past statements, further eroding the party’s base of support nationwide. Nonetheless, Trump remains a hated figure on the world stage, even among allies, and cracks continue to be seen in his own base, all opportunities for a Democratic opposition to exploit if they were not too busy fighting their own rising stars. Read on to get the details, recommendations for more education materials, and opportunities to get involved. Join us in turning awareness into action as we work together toward a more just and democratic future. But first…

Daily Inspiration

Last week, Queen Maxima of the Netherlands hilariously mocked Trump during a photo shoot as part of his visit to Europe. Truly epic, hilarious, and to be commended! More of this courage, please!

Resistance Today

Civil Society & Publics

Marchers cap Pride Month with celebration and protest

What happened: At Pride parades around the world, including New York City, Budapest, San Francisco, and others, communities celebrated LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion while demonstrating against political attacks by Republicans and the Trump regime.

⬆️ Why it matters: This display of resistance to authoritarian consolidation and anti-LGBTQ+ policies is significant because it shows that despite efforts to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, many people are still willing to speak out and take action in support of their community.

‘Alligator Alcatraz’ to open in Florida Everglades Tuesday as Trump visits amid protests, lawsuit

What happened: The controversial "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center in Florida is set to open on Tuesday, despite protests and a pending federal lawsuit aimed at stopping it, amid President Donald Trump's visit.

⬆️ Why it matters: The opening of the detention center is a significant development in the consolidation of authoritarian power under the Trump regime. It is encouraging, however, to see robust protest against the effort in Florida.

Legal & Judicial

Judge Strikes Down Trump Order Targeting Law Firm Susman Godfrey

What happened: A federal judge struck down a Trump-era executive order targeting a law firm, Susman Godfrey, ruling that it was unconstitutional and permanently blocked its enforcement.

⬆️ Why it matters: This decision is significant because it represents a further rebuke of President Trump's campaign to use the government as a tool for retribution against law firms that challenge his political agenda.

Congress & Lawmakers

Senate Democrats complete reading of "big, beautiful bill" in 16 hours

What happened: Senate Democrats complete reading of Trump's comprehensive legislative package in 16 hours, delaying a final vote on the bill.

⬆️ Why it matters: This procedural maneuver highlights the deep partisan divisions surrounding Trump's flagship legislation, which he wants signed by July 4th, and demonstrates how Democrats are using available parliamentary tools to slow Republican momentum.

Jeffries holds back on endorsing Democratic NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani

What happened: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is hesitant to endorse Democratic NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, citing a lack of knowledge about him while also spreading false allegations about Mandani’s past statements about Israel.

⬇️ Why it matters: This is one more example of disunity within the Democratic party that weakens its base of support. While its base wants to see fierce opposition to the Trump regime, it too often gets weakness or complicity instead, as well as attacks against those members who do have the courage to stand up to Trump.

State & Local Governments

Colorado Has Sued Trump Administration 15 Times in Three Months

What happened: Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has filed 24 lawsuits against the Trump administration in three months, challenging actions on healthcare, immigration, education, funding freezes, and civil rights.

⬆️ Why it matters: These lawsuits represent active institutional resistance protecting constitutional rights and state autonomy from authoritarian federal overreach.

International Resistance

France is betting Eutelsat can become Europe’s answer to Starlink — but experts aren’t convinced

What happened: France invests heavily in Eutelsat, a European satellite operator, as part of its efforts to challenge Elon Musk's Starlink and promote technological sovereignty.

⬆️ Why it matters: This investment is likely an attempt by the French government to bolster its own space capabilities and counterbalance US influence, potentially undermining authoritarian consolidation in Europe.

Canada ditches its tech tax after Trump walks away from negotiating table

What happened: Canada scraps a tax on American technology companies after the U.S. threatened to suspend trade talks.

⬇️ Why it matters: This is an example of capitulation to Trump threats and bullying. While this may seem like a small matter that is for the greater good, any capitulation to the bully will encourage only more threats and demands for more concessions.

Top American Academics Flock to Toronto as Trump Threatens U.S. Colleges

What happened: Top American academics are flocking to the University of Toronto as President Trump threatens U.S. colleges, accusing some of cradling haters of America, and launching policies that threaten to expel international students and jeopardize funding and academic freedoms.

⬆️ Why it matters: This exodus of academics is a significant indicator of the current danger, reflecting the growing concern among scholars about the erosion of academic freedom and the attack on institutions in the United States. At the same time, exile and “brain drain” is a form of resistance all its own, bound to undermine regime effectiveness and legitimacy over time.

Vast majority of Canadians no longer consider the United States a friendly country

What happened: A new study by Léger has found that the vast majority of Canadians no longer consider the United States a friendly country, with only 27% saying they consider the US an ally.

⬆️ Why it matters: As most in the domestic resistance would likely agree with this assessment, it provides a point of solidarity between Canadian neighbors and U.S. democracy advocates. External support can be an important factor in the success of a democratic resistance movement.

Resistance Tomorrow

Vulnerabilities & Exposures

Why Is Trump Returning MS-13 Leaders to El Salvador? Takeaways From Times Reporting.

What happened: The Trump regime has returned top MS-13 leaders to El Salvador, despite President Bukele's request for their return, as part of a corrupt pact between the Salvadoran government and some high-ranking gang leaders who agreed to drive down violence in exchange for cash and perks.

⬆️ Why it matters: This development suggests that authoritarian consolidation is underway, as Trump regime officials seem more interested in protecting their own allies than in enforcing the law or dismantling transnational gangs. This is, however, a major departure of campaign promises made to the MAGA base, potentially opening a crack for the resistance to exploit.

Trump Vowed to Dismantle MS-13. His Deal With Bukele Threatens That Effort.

What happened: The Trump regime has struck a deal with El Salvador's president Nayib Bukele to return key MS-13 gang leaders in American custody in exchange for helping carry out the country's deportation agenda.

⬆️ Why it matters: This development threatens the Trump regime's effort to dismantle MS-13, a transnational gang that has been a focus of law enforcement efforts and dismantling of which was a major campaign promise. Instead, he is going easy on criminals to more easily deport those here legally and with the aid of a foreign dictator, a move that even some of his supporters have begun to criticize.

Veterans’ advocates warn of low morale amid LA deployment: ‘This is not what we signed up for’

What happened: Veterans’ advocates warn of low morale amid LA deployment: ‘This is not what we signed up for’.

⬆️ Why it matters: The low morale among National Guard members deployed to Los Angeles amid Trump regime's immigration enforcement actions poses a threat to military retention and recruitment, as well as the country's ability to respond to domestic emergencies. Loss of support from the security services, especially the military, is a major vulnerability for authoritarian regimes.

🪧 Actions This Week

There are plenty of upcoming opportunities to get involved with resistance to Trump Tyranny. Our colleagues at We (The People) Dissent put out an excellent regular roundup of upcoming opportunities. Please check it out and give them a follow!

• 10 Ways to Resist this Week & A Protest List for June 28 - July 4

One important way that you can always contribute is by educating yourself. That includes reading, listening, and watching smart books, articles, podcasts, and films about history, resistance tactics, and more. So with that, we provide…

📚 What We’re Reading

Diabolical: SCOTUS and the Great Deceiver

In this piece, Jim Stewartson explains that the Supreme Court's conservative majority, now six justices strong, has given Donald Trump a rubber stamp for his authoritarian consolidation efforts. Peter Thiel, co-founder of Palantir and close friend of President Trump, reveals in an interview that he doesn't care about humanity and believes the human race should endure only as long as it serves his own interests, aligning with the dark ideologies of Christian Nationalism.

Geopolitical WrestleMania

Author Greg Olear draws on the imagery of Professional Wrestling to argue that the latest escalation is part of a disturbing pattern of Trump-era militarism and authoritarian consolidation under the Trump regime, which has repeatedly disregarded democratic norms and international law to advance its interests. The strike was seen as an attempt by Trump to rekindle his own brand of populist nationalism and boost his popularity with his base, but ultimately failed to achieve this goal.

What the Supreme Court Knew in 1803

Joyce Vance puts the Supreme Court’s recent, disastrous rulings expanding executive power into historical context. The Court is undermining core principles found in foundational cases like Marbury v. Madison.

It’s Not Just a Constitutional Crisis in the Trump Era. It’s Constitutional Failure

The article argues that the US is experiencing constitutional failure under the Trump regime, characterized by a lack of adherence to constitutional norms and institutions failing to fulfill their responsibilities. It highlights the erosion of checks and balances, with the executive branch disregarding constitutional limits and silencing institutional opposition.

🎥 Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny

The newly released PBS documentary, “Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny.” chronicles the life and work of German‑American philosopher Hannah Arendt, tracing her journey from Nazi-era Germany to her exile in the United States and highlighting her landmark reporting on the 1961 Eichmann trial, where she coined the phrase “the banality of evil.” The film interweaves archival footage, expert commentary, and Arendt’s own writings to explore her warnings against the rise of totalitarianism and the erosion of democratic institutions.

It matters for resisting Trump’s authoritarian consolidation because Arendt’s analysis of how ordinary individuals become complicit in authoritarian systems offers a stark warning about the dangers of uncritical obedience, bureaucratic compliance, and the spread of misinformation—phenomena deeply visible in recent American politics. Moreover, her critiques of McCarthy‑era America and her insistence on accountability for public officials resonate strongly today, encouraging a renewed defense of democratic norms, the rule of law, and the civic courage to confront emerging authoritarianism.

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