Thousands of Protests Across the Country as Americans Turn Against Trump, Rise & Resist - Resistance Brief for April 4, 2025

Information, insight, and inspiration for resisting tyranny in America

Apr 07, 2025

Welcome!

Welcome to The Resistance Sentinel, a publication dedicated to documenting and amplifying the movement to defend democracy against authoritarian rule. As our nation stands at a crossroads, Americans are rising up in unprecedented numbers to resist Trump’s malicious incompetence and authoritarianism. From coast to coast, citizens from all walks of life are transforming anxiety into action, outrage into organization, and fear into fierce determination. This week, we witnessed millions flooding streets across America in the "Hands Off" protests. As states challenge federal overreach, lawmakers stage marathon speeches, and ordinary people discover their extraordinary power, a message rings clear: authoritarianism will not advance unchallenged. Join us in turning awareness into action as we work together toward a more just and democratic future. But first…

Daily Inspiration

Thousands protested nationwide against the Trump administration's policies, showcasing creative and humorous signs to denounce attacks on civil rights, democracy, and social justice. We enjoyed the stream of protest signs being posted from around the country on Saturday. The Independent has put together a nice collection of some of them.

The Headlines

Best signs from the Hands Off protests denouncing the Trump administration

Resistance Today

Civil Society & Publics

A major labor victory in Chicago, bold resistance against the Trump-Musk regime, and a critical win for democracy in Wisconsin highlight the ongoing struggle against authoritarianism. These developments demonstrate the power of collective action, legal challenges, and grassroots mobilization in defending civil liberties and democratic principles.

What happened: The Chicago Teachers Union secured a transformative tentative contract that protects sanctuary schools, academic freedom, and immigrant students amidst federal attacks on education. Meanwhile, nationwide protests and legal battles are challenging Trump-Musk policies targeting marginalized communities, with movements like Tesla Takedown gaining momentum. In Wisconsin, Susan Crawford’s election to the state Supreme Court preserved a liberal majority critical for voting rights, despite the passage of a restrictive voter ID amendment. Additionally, Tufts University issued a declaration supporting detained doctoral student Rümeysa Öztürk after her visa was revoked based on dubious claims from the Trump regime.
Why it matters: These stories underscore the importance of solidarity and resistance in combating authoritarianism. The Chicago Teachers Union's victory illustrates how collective bargaining can safeguard vulnerable communities and public institutions. Grassroots protests and decentralized resistance tactics are proving effective against oppressive policies, as seen in Tesla Takedown and federal worker non-compliance. Crawford's election showcases the power of mobilized voters to counter billionaire influence on democracy, while Tufts University's defense of Öztürk highlights the need for institutions to protect free expression and due process. These actions collectively demonstrate that organized resistance can challenge authoritarian overreach and preserve fundamental rights.
The Headlines

Mass protests against Trump signal growing resistance to authoritarianism, with over 1,000 demonstrations over the weekend denouncing his policies and billionaire-backed agenda. This grassroots movement highlights the public's determination to defend democracy and civil rights.

What happened: Over the weekend, more than 1,000 "Hands Off" anti-Trump protests took place all across the U.S., drawing hundreds of thousands of participants in cities like Washington D.C., Boston, and Los Angeles and millions nationwide. Protesters voiced opposition to Trump's authoritarian policies, economic mismanagement, immigration raids, and billionaire influence in government, particularly Elon Musk's role. Demonstrations also extended beyond U.S. borders to cities like London and Paris. The protests aimed to galvanize public resistance and challenge the erosion of democratic norms.
Why it matters: These protests underscore the importance of collective action in resisting authoritarianism and defending democratic values. Mass mobilizations create social pressure on institutions and leaders who might otherwise capitulate to authoritarian consolidation. They also foster solidarity among diverse groups, empowering citizens to challenge abuses of power and demand accountability. By demonstrating widespread opposition, such movements can shift public discourse, inspire further activism, and build resilience against authoritarian regimes.
The Headlines

Legal & Judicial

The Trump administration faces legal challenges over actions impacting immigration, elections, public health, and independent agencies. Resistance movements have achieved notable victories, but setbacks highlight the ongoing struggle to uphold democratic norms and constitutional rights.

Wins for the Resistance

What happened: Resistance efforts have led to significant victories in court and through state-led legal actions. The D.C. Appeals Court reinstated two members of independent federal boards wrongfully dismissed by Trump, reaffirming protections against arbitrary firings. Pennsylvania successfully challenged the Trump administration’s abrupt cancellation of public health grants, restoring critical funding for disease prevention and mental health services. Washington and Oregon joined other states in suing over Trump’s executive order on elections, defending mail-in voting and voter registration autonomy. Additionally, New Jersey filed its 20th lawsuit against NIH grant cancellations targeting politically disfavored research areas.
Why it matters: These victories show that U.S. institutions can still push back and that it is still possible to counter authoritarian consolidation. Judicial rulings and state-led lawsuits reinforce the importance of checks and balances on executive power, safeguarding public health, election integrity, and independent governance structures from undue interference.
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Setbacks for the Resistance

What happened: Despite resistance efforts, setbacks have occurred as the Trump regime continues to defy court orders. The administration is seeking Supreme Court intervention to block a judge’s order to return a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador. The regime also refused to fund Radio Free Europe despite judicial rulings, undermining its mission of combating propaganda in repressive societies.
Why it matters: These setbacks highlight the challenges of holding authoritarian regimes accountable within existing legal frameworks. Executive defiance of court orders threatens democratic norms and undermines trust in governance. Persistent resistance is essential to preventing further erosion of institutional independence and upholding the Constitution.
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Congress & Lawmakers

Senators and activists escalate opposition to Trump administration policies, utilizing historic speeches, procedural blocks, and grassroots resistance training to counter authoritarian consolidation. These actions underscore the importance of acts of courage by individuals and small groups working in solidarity with one another.

What happened: Sen. Cory Booker delivered a record-breaking 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, condemning Trump administration policies and invoking civil rights rhetoric to highlight the nation's crisis. Sen. Ruben Gallego blocked VA nominees to protest Trump's plans to cut the agency's workforce, which Democrats argue will harm veterans' care. Four Republican senators joined Democrats in opposing Trump’s tariffs on Canada, citing economic harm and rejecting his trade war strategy. Rep. Steven Horsford emphasized Democratic efforts to block authoritarian measures in Congress, including halting bills that could disenfranchise millions. Meanwhile, Rep. Pramila Jayapal launched "Resistance Labs," nonviolent resistance trainings designed to equip Americans with tools to counter authoritarianism and protect democracy.
Why it matters: These actions illustrate critical strategies for resisting authoritarianism: leveraging institutional mechanisms like speeches and procedural blocks, building bipartisan coalitions against harmful policies, and empowering citizens through grassroots education. The use of nonviolent resistance tools aligns with historical movements that successfully challenged oppressive regimes by undermining their pillars of support.
The Headlines

State & Local Governments

Governors J.B. Pritzker and Gavin Newsom are taking bold actions to counteract federal policies under the Trump administration, focusing on trade and governance. Pritzker is strengthening Illinois' trade ties with Mexico, supporting Democratic political campaigns, and addressing national security concerns, while Newsom is working to shield California from the economic fallout of tariffs through direct trade negotiations and exemptions. These efforts highlight state-level resistance to federal policies perceived as harmful to local economies and governance. Such actions underscore the importance of decentralized leadership in safeguarding democratic values and economic stability.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker & Illinois

What happened: Gov. J.B. Pritzker undertook a trade mission to Mexico to position Illinois as a reliable trade partner amidst federal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, signing agreements to bolster manufacturing and agricultural ties. He also played a key role in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race by funding Democratic campaigns, further solidifying his influence in regional politics. Separately, Pritzker sent a letter to the Joint Chiefs of Staff demanding assurances on national security following revelations of mishandled sensitive communications by federal officials.
Why it matters: Pritzker’s actions reflect a proactive approach to mitigating federal policies that threaten state economies and governance. By fostering international trade partnerships, he seeks to insulate Illinois from economic instability caused by tariffs while simultaneously expanding his political influence across state lines. His national security concerns highlight the risks of centralized mismanagement, emphasizing the need for state leaders to advocate for transparency and accountability to protect their constituents.
The Headlines

Gov. Gavin Newsom & California

What happened: Gov. Gavin Newsom launched efforts to shield California’s economy from Trump’s sweeping tariffs by pursuing direct trade deals with international partners and requesting exemptions for California goods. Highlighting the state’s critical role as an economic powerhouse, Newsom warned of the tariffs’ potential to destabilize California’s budget and industries reliant on global trade.
Why it matters: Newsom’s initiatives demonstrate how state governments can act independently to counteract federal policies that jeopardize local economies. By leveraging California’s economic clout, he is not only protecting vital industries but also reinforcing the principle that states can lead in shaping equitable trade practices. His actions underscore the importance of decentralized power in preserving economic resilience and democratic governance.
The Headlines

Media & Tech

CNN's platforming of Aleksandr Dugin, a key architect of Russian authoritarian ideology, underscores the dangers of normalizing extremist narratives in mainstream media. This moment highlights the erosion of journalistic integrity and its complicity in amplifying voices that undermine democratic values.

What happened: CNN aired an interview with Aleksandr Dugin, a controversial Russian political theorist often referred to as "Putin's Brain," whose ideology blends fascism and communism into a framework that undermines liberal democracy. Dugin has long been a proponent of authoritarianism and has played a significant role in shaping Russia's geopolitical strategies, including its efforts to destabilize Western democracies.
Why it matters: Amplifying voices like Dugin's legitimizes totalitarian ideologies and undermines the principles of free speech and truth essential to resisting authoritarianism. As Orwell warned, organized lying is integral to totalitarian systems, and normalizing such figures accelerates the erosion of democratic norms. Media complicity in platforming these ideologies transforms information warfare into a tool for fracturing democratic societies, making resistance against authoritarian narratives all the more urgent.
The Headlines

Orwell’s Nightmare: CNN Promotes Dugin

International Resistance

The global response to President Trump’s aggressive trade policies is escalating, with Canada and Europe taking firm stances against U.S. tariffs. Canada is rallying both domestic and international support to counteract these measures, while Europe is preparing retaliatory tariffs and resisting U.S. interference in its internal policies. These actions underscore the growing resistance to U.S. unilateralism and the importance of multilateral cooperation in preserving economic stability and democratic principles.

Canada Fights Back

What happened: Canada has strongly opposed President Trump’s tariffs, with Prime Minister Mark Carney declaring confidence in winning the trade war. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly warned European allies that U.S.-Canada relations have fundamentally changed due to Trump’s policies, urging a collective response. Domestically, the trade conflict has provided a political boost for Canada’s Liberal Party ahead of upcoming elections.
Why it matters: Canada’s defiance highlights the importance of standing up to economic coercion and protecting national sovereignty. By fostering alliances with Europe and other nations, Canada demonstrates how cooperative resistance can counter authoritarian tactics that undermine international norms. This approach reinforces democratic resilience by prioritizing collective action over isolation.
The Headlines

Europe Fights Back

What happened: Europe is preparing its first wave of retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., targeting a range of goods in response to Trump’s sweeping trade measures. European leaders have coordinated efforts to mitigate economic fallout while resisting U.S. diplomatic interference, such as demands for compliance with Trump’s rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Why it matters: Europe’s unified response underscores the strength of democratic institutions in countering external pressures that threaten economic and social progress. By rejecting U.S. interference in domestic policies and preparing strategic countermeasures, European nations demonstrate the power of solidarity in safeguarding autonomy and resisting authoritarian overreach.
The Headlines

Resistance Tomorrow

Vulnerabilities & Exposures

The Trump administration's tariff policies are facing mounting criticism from right-wing media and influential supporters, including warnings of severe economic consequences. Simultaneously, influential right-wing intellectual, Curtis Yarvin, critiques authoritarian measures like "vanning" individuals. These developments underscore the growing tensions within the regime’s base of support, vulnerabilities that can and should be exploited to undermine Trump’s bid for authoritarian rule in America.

Right-Wing Media Starts to Question Trump Tariffs

What happened: Prominent right-wing voices, including Ben Shapiro and Fox Business commentators, have criticized Trump's tariffs as economically damaging, with Shapiro calling them "the single greatest increase in taxes in modern American history." Concerns range from skyrocketing consumer costs—such as $2,300 iPhones—to broader fears of a collapsing economy. Dennis Gartman expressed alarm over worsening conditions, while Ken Mahoney emphasized the collateral damage to middle-class Americans who supported Trump.
Why it matters: The growing dissent within Trump's ideological base signals a fracture in support for his policies, which could weaken his populist appeal. Criticism from influential figures may erode trust in leadership and amplify calls for negotiation or policy reversal. This dissent highlights how economic mismanagement can destabilize political movements and expose vulnerabilities in authoritarian populist governance.
The Headlines

Billionaire Trump Supporter Warns on Trump Tariffs

What happened: Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has called for a 90-day pause on Trump's tariffs, warning of a "self-induced economic nuclear winter." Ackman argues that disproportionate tariffs risk destroying confidence in the U.S. as a trading partner and investment hub. He cautions that without immediate action, the global economy could spiral into chaos, disproportionately harming small businesses and low-income consumers.
Why it matters: Ackman's critique underscores the economic risks of populist protectionism, which often prioritizes short-term political gains over sustainable growth. His warnings highlight how authoritarian economic policies can undermine trust and stability, eroding public confidence and global partnerships. Such policies risk alienating key supporters and exacerbating inequality—conditions ripe for social unrest.
The Headlines

Curtis Yarvin Criticizes Trump Disappearing People

What happened: Curtis Yarvin criticized recent reports of immigrant grad students being detained or "disappeared" for political reasons, likening such measures to authoritarian tactics. He argued that these actions reflect a misguided governance style—"small/sharp"—that prioritizes force over strategic coherence. Yarvin warns that such policies risk alienating elites and undermining long-term power consolidation.
Why it matters: Yarvin's critique highlights the dangers of authoritarian overreach, which can provoke backlash and weaken societal cohesion. Policies like detaining individuals without due process erode democratic norms and fuel opposition narratives, making governance more difficult. His analysis underscores the importance of maintaining legitimacy and avoiding tactics that resemble historical abuses by authoritarian regimes.
The Headlines

Actually you shouldn't van people

Actions This Week

🎥 A must-watch discussion on resisting authoritarianism and democratic renewal in the United States. Professors Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky analyze the current state of U.S. democracy, its challenges under competitive authoritarianism, and strategies for civil society to push back effectively.

What happened: In a Harvard Ash Center webinar, Professors Chenoweth and Levitsky discussed lessons from past mobilizations against autocracy in the U.S. and provided insights into the current political climate under what they term "competitive authoritarianism." They highlighted how public opposition faces increasing costs, the weaponization of state institutions, and the role of informal actors in silencing dissent. Despite these challenges, they emphasized signs of resilience, such as rising protest activity, voter turnout in key elections, and civil society's capacity to resist authoritarianism.
Why it matters: The conversation underscores the importance of civil society's role in resisting authoritarian rule by fostering broad coalitions, engaging in protests, and leveraging institutional strengths. It also highlights the need for structural reforms to address systemic vulnerabilities, such as minoritarian rule and counter-majoritarian institutions that undermine democratic representation. Mobilized civic engagement and proactive strategies are critical to safeguarding democracy from further erosion.
The Headlines

Harvard Ash Center Webinar: Lessons on Mobilizing Against Autocracy

📆 Massive nationwide protests against President Trump planned for April 19, aiming to mobilize over 11 million people across all 50 states. These demonstrations, led by the grassroots group 50501, are a continuation of the April 5 "Hands Off!" protests and target policies undermining democracy.

What happened: The 50501 movement has announced a new wave of protests on April 19, following the success of the April 5 "Hands Off!" demonstrations that saw participation from millions across over 1,200 locations. The upcoming protests aim to address issues such as federal budget cuts, layoffs, immigration policies, and concerns about authoritarianism under President Trump and his partner in crime, Elon Musk. Organizers hope to mobilize 3% of the U.S. population—over 11 million individuals—to create sustained resistance.
Why it matters: Large-scale protests like these demonstrate the power of grassroots movements in resisting authoritarianism through nonviolent action, coalition-building, and mass mobilization. By targeting policies perceived as eroding democratic norms and amplifying voices from marginalized communities, these actions embody principles of civil resistance that can disrupt authoritarian consolidation and foster solidarity among diverse groups.
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