Wins, Inspiration, and Upcoming Actions - The Resistance Brief for March 31, 2025

Information, insight, and inspiration for resisting tyranny in America

Mar 31, 2025

Welcome!

Welcome to The Resistance Sentinel, your daily source for insights, updates, and inspiration in the fight to protect democracy against authoritarianism. In today’s edition, we celebrate victories in legal battles, highlight grassroots efforts across the nation and abroad, and share upcoming opportunities to join the movement. From courageous protests challenging Elon Musk’s policies to state-level initiatives supporting displaced federal workers, the resistance is growing stronger every day. Together, we can turn awareness into action and build a future rooted in justice and democratic values. But first, we bring you some…

Daily Inspiration

Americans are fighting back with courage and humor. Today we bring you three clips. The first provides more detail about a courageous teacher, the second shows transgender allies in deep red Utah speaking out for Transgender Day of Visibility, and finally, Tesla Takedown protestors face a Tesla facility with guards on the roof with music and dancing.

Resistance Today

Civil Society & Publics

A Montreal doctor’s presentation on humanitarian crises was canceled by New York University, citing concerns over political sensitivities, reflecting a growing climate of self-censorship in academia. This incident highlights the broader challenges of safeguarding academic freedom against political pressures as academic organizations like NYU fail to resist and instead choose to “obey in advance.”

What happened: Dr. Joanne Liu, a prominent humanitarian expert, had her presentation at NYU canceled due to concerns that her slides discussing Gaza casualties and USAID cuts might be perceived as antisemitic or anti-government. The decision aligns with recent trends of universities preemptively censoring content to avoid political backlash, particularly under the Trump administration's heightened scrutiny of academia. Liu expressed concern for the erosion of academic freedom and its implications for open discourse.
Why it matters: The cancellation underscores the vulnerability of institutions to authoritarian pressures, as self-censorship undermines their role as bastions of free thought. Nonviolent resistance strategies emphasize the importance of maintaining spaces for diverse perspectives to challenge entrenched power structures. By allowing fear to stifle academic dialogue, universities risk enabling authoritarian governance that thrives on suppressing dissent and limiting access to critical information.
The Headlines

‘Climate of fear’: Montreal doctor says NYU cancelled her presentation

Volunteer archivists are preserving U.S. government data threatened by deletion under Trump’s administration, resisting efforts to erase public knowledge and historical records. This initiative demonstrates the power of grassroots action in safeguarding transparency and accountability.

What happened: Since Trump’s re-election, federal agencies have purged over 110,000 web pages containing vital information on health, environmental issues, and civil rights. In response, archivists and data hoarders have mobilized to save endangered records using decentralized methods like BitTorrent and public repositories. Their efforts aim to counteract what has been described as a “digital book burning.”
Why it matters: Preserving government data is crucial for resisting authoritarianism, as access to information empowers civil society to hold regimes accountable. Historical examples show that nonviolent resistance often relies on transparency and widespread dissemination of knowledge to mobilize support and undermine oppressive systems. These archivists exemplify how decentralized actions can counteract centralized censorship, ensuring that critical resources remain available for advocacy and education.
The Headlines

The Volunteer Data Hoarders Resisting Trump’s Purge

Resistance movements across the U.S., including legal challenges, economic boycotts, and mass protests, are pushing back against Trump’s authoritarian policies. These actions highlight the resilience of civil society in defending democratic norms.

What happened: Key developments include lawsuits from major law firms challenging unconstitutional executive orders, Maine’s governor refusing to enforce anti-transgender policies, a nationwide spending boycott targeting corporate enablers, and mass protests led by the Women’s March against attacks on civil rights. Courts also blocked attempts to strip birthright citizenship and enforce discriminatory prison transfers.
Why it matters: These coordinated efforts demonstrate the strategic logic of nonviolent resistance—mobilizing diverse groups, leveraging institutional checks like the judiciary, and employing tactics like boycotts to disrupt oppressive systems. Such actions align with historical evidence showing that broad-based participation and sustained pressure are effective in countering authoritarian regimes while fostering unity and resilience among opposition groups.
The Headlines

Resistance Wins Week 10

Mass protests against Tesla and Elon Musk signal growing opposition to authoritarian-style governance linked to Musk's role in the Trump administration. These demonstrations reflect public resistance to policies perceived as undermining democracy, federal institutions, and social equity.
What happened: Over 200 "Tesla Takedown" protests occurred across the U.S., Canada, and Europe on March 29, 2025, as part of a coordinated effort denouncing Elon Musk's leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Trump. Protesters criticized Musk's illegal federal budget cuts, workforce downsizing, and alleged disregard for democratic norms. Demonstrations ranged from peaceful gatherings to instances of vandalism targeting Tesla properties. Activists urged participants to boycott Tesla vehicles and sell Tesla stock as symbolic acts of resistance123.
Why it matters: These protests highlight the critical role of mass nonviolent movements in challenging authoritarian governance. Drawing from historical examples, nonviolent resistance has proven effective in undermining autocratic regimes by fostering unity, exposing abuses, and mobilizing public support. The demonstrations also underscore the importance of maintaining discipline to prevent provocateurs or counterproductive actions from discrediting the movement. By targeting Musk’s wealth and influence, activists aim to weaken a key pillar supporting policies that many perceive as eroding democratic institutions23.
The Headlines

Legal & Judicial

The legal resistance to authoritarianism has achieved significant victories, blocking executive overreach and exposing government secrecy, but the regime has also secured key legal wins that threaten institutional independence and transparency. Courts have upheld democratic norms by rejecting attempts to misuse wartime laws, enforcing transparency requirements, and revealing secretive practices. However, rulings favoring the regime, such as allowing the dismissal of independent officials, highlight vulnerabilities in checks on executive power and the potential erosion of civil liberties.

Legal Wins for the Resistance

What happened: Courts have blocked several Trump administration measures targeting law firms, mass deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, and the dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. These rulings emphasized constitutional protections, including due process and First Amendment rights, while also preserving institutional safeguards against executive overreach. Judges also condemned retaliatory actions against law firms.
Why it matters: These judicial decisions illustrate the importance of independent courts in resisting authoritarian encroachments. By protecting legal institutions and consumer safeguards, they prevent the erosion of accountability mechanisms essential for democracy. Upholding constitutional rights and institutional independence strengthens resistance movements by safeguarding critical infrastructure for dissent and advocacy.
The Headlines

Legal Wins for the Regime

What happened: The Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that could exempt religious organizations from unemployment taxes, and appellate courts upheld presidential powers to remove independent agency officials. These rulings expand executive authority and create pathways for ideological influence within public institutions by weakening oversight mechanisms.
Why it matters: Legal victories for authoritarian regimes erode democratic safeguards by enabling institutional capture through executive overreach and religious exemptions. Such decisions weaken the separation of powers and undermine regulatory independence, paving the way for autocratic consolidation of power. They also normalize selective application of laws that favor regime-aligned groups, which can marginalize dissenting voices.
The Headlines

State & Local Governments

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has launched a statewide initiative to recruit federal workers displaced by mass layoffs under the Trump administration, focusing on sectors like law enforcement and healthcare. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's involvement in the election through $1 million payments to voters has sparked legal and public controversy.

What happened: Governor Tony Evers of Wisconsin has launched a campaign to recruit federal workers displaced by mass layoffs under the Trump administration. The state's Department of Workforce Development created an online portal with resources for job seekers and is hosting virtual job fairs in April focused on areas impacted by federal firings, like law enforcement and healthcare. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's $1 million payments to voters supporting his petition against "activist judges" have faced legal challenges, with the Wisconsin Supreme Court declining to block the payments. Musk has also endorsed conservative candidate Brad Schimel in the state’s pivotal Supreme Court election, which could shift the court's ideological balance.
Why it matters: This initiative demonstrates how state-level actions can counter authoritarian federal policies and provide alternatives for those harmed. By actively welcoming and supporting displaced federal workers, Wisconsin is resisting the Trump administration's efforts to drastically reduce the federal workforce through unlawful means. The campaign leverages the skills and experience of career civil servants to strengthen Wisconsin's workforce while undermining the federal government's capacity. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court election could shape critical issues like voting rights and abortion access nationwide. Musk's financial influence continues to raise concerns about the integrity of democratic processes going forward.
The Headlines

Maryland Governor Wes Moore criticizes President Trump's executive actions targeting historical narratives and federal workers' rights, emphasizing Maryland’s commitment to labor rights and historical integrity.

What happened: Governor Wes Moore condemned Trump's executive order revising Smithsonian content to eliminate so-called "divisive narratives," calling it disrespectful to American history. He also criticized Trump’s order ending federal workers' collective bargaining rights, highlighting its economic impact on Maryland.
Why it matters: These actions illustrate Maryland’s resistance to federal overreach and its defense of labor rights and inclusive historical narratives. By opposing these policies, Maryland reinforces democratic values and supports marginalized communities affected by historical revisionism.
The Headlines

Maine resists federal pressure to ban transgender athletes from girls' sports, challenging President Trump's executive order and defending state laws protecting LGBTQ+ rights.

What happened: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services referred Maine’s noncompliance with Title IX to the DOJ after the state refused to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports. Governor Janet Mills and local education authorities have vowed to uphold state laws that protect transgender students, despite threats of federal funding cuts.
Why it matters: Maine's defiance highlights a broader struggle between state sovereignty and federal mandates on social issues. By standing against discriminatory policies, Maine reinforces protections for marginalized groups and challenges authoritarian attempts to override local governance.
The Headlines

California faces multiple federal investigations as tensions escalate between Governor Gavin Newsom and President Trump over issues like transgender protections, affirmative action, and water management.

What happened: The Trump administration launched investigations into California’s transgender student protections, affirmative action practices in universities, and water management policies following a salmon-related incident. Governor Newsom criticized these actions as politically motivated attacks on California’s progressive policies.

Why it matters: These developments reflect ongoing conflicts between California’s progressive governance and federal attempts to undermine it. While Newsom has attempted to cozy up to Trump and MAGA, overall, the state's resistance serves as a model for defending democratic principles against authoritarian encroachments.

The Headlines

Media & Tech

The White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) cancels a comedian headliner amidst escalating tensions with the Trump administration, highlighting growing press self-censorship. This matters because it reflects a broader trend of undermining independent media, a critical pillar of democracy.

What happened: The WHCA canceled comedian Amber Ruffin's headlining performance at its annual dinner amid heightened tensions with the Trump administration. The administration has taken unprecedented steps to control press access, including barring Associated Press reporters from events and assuming control over the rotating press pool traditionally managed by the WHCA. Ruffin, known for her satirical critiques of Trump policies, had recently mocked the administration’s decision to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.
Why it matters: This incident underscores a troubling pattern of authoritarian behavior aimed at delegitimizing and controlling the press and press self-censorship in response. By undermining institutions like the WHCA and restricting journalistic access, the administration erodes accountability mechanisms essential for democratic governance. The WHCA cancelling Ruffin’s performance exemplifies "obeying in advance," where institutions self-censor or capitulate to avoid conflict, weakening resistance to authoritarianism.
The Headlines

White House Correspondents’ Association cancels comedian headliner for annual dinner

Saturday Night Live's satire highlights reckless government behavior through humor, portraying officials as immature "mean girls." This sketch critiques the misuse of sensitive military communication and underscores the absurdity of such conduct.
What happened: This weekend’s Saturday Night Live cold open mocked the Trump administration’s mishandling of military communications by imagining officials accidentally texting sensitive war plans to a group of teenage girls. The sketch humorously depicted government officials behaving like immature high schoolers, sharing classified information with emojis and GIFs while ignoring warnings from the girls. By genre-swapping adults into teenagers, SNL emphasized the recklessness and self-absorption of those in power.
Why it matters: Satire like this serves as a powerful tool for exposing authoritarian incompetence and holding leaders accountable. By ridiculing the careless behavior of government officials, it reinforces the importance of transparency, competence, and ethical governance. Humor can mobilize public awareness and dissent, undermining attempts to normalize abuses of power or trivialize serious issues like national security.
The Headlines

SNL Has Entered the Chat

International Resistance

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney declares an end to close ties with the U.S., citing Trump's auto tariffs and annexation threats. This marks a significant geopolitical shift, as Canada seeks to reduce dependence on its southern neighbor and pivot trade relationships globally.

What happened: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the era of deep economic and security integration with the United States is over following Trump's imposition of 25% tariffs on imported vehicles. Carney described the tariffs as unjustified and a direct attack on Canadian workers, vowing retaliatory measures to minimize domestic impact while targeting U.S. interests. He also criticized Trump’s repeated annexation threats and emphasized Canada’s sovereignty, signaling a dramatic reshaping of relations between the two nations.
Why it matters: This development illustrates how authoritarian tactics—such as economic coercion—can provoke resistance and foster unity among affected nations. Canada's response, rooted in defending sovereignty and worker rights, demonstrates the power of organized nonviolent resistance against external aggression. By mobilizing domestic support and seeking alternative alliances, Canada exemplifies strategic resilience, which can undermine authoritarian attempts to dominate through economic or political bullying.
The Headlines

The UK has firmly opposed Trump’s tariffs on cars and criticized his perceived concessions to Russia, signaling a growing divergence from U.S. leadership under Trump. This resistance underscores the UK's commitment to sovereignty and democratic principles, emphasizing its role as a counterweight to authoritarian pressures.

What happened: The UK has taken a firm stance against Trump administration tariffs on cars, pledging retaliation if necessary. Additionally, British leaders, including Trump ally Nigel Farage, have criticized Trump's perceived concessions to Russia, highlighting growing concerns about his foreign policy approach.
Why it matters: The UK's resistance underscores its commitment to maintaining sovereignty and democratic principles in the face of authoritarian pressures. This shift away from alignment with Trump's policies reflects the importance of standing against economic coercion and geopolitical overreach to preserve democratic norms.
The Headlines

France has rejected Trump’s anti-diversity orders and trade measures, with citizens boycotting American brands and officials dismissing U.S. demands for compliance. This defiance highlights France's leadership in upholding democratic values and resisting authoritarian influences through civil society and government action.

What happened: France is pushing back against Trump's anti-diversity orders and trade measures. French citizens are boycotting American brands like McDonald's and Tesla, while government officials have dismissed U.S. demands for compliance with anti-diversity policies.
Why it matters: France's defiance highlights the role of civil society and government in resisting authoritarian policies that threaten equality and inclusion. This resistance strengthens Europe's resolve to uphold democratic values and reduce dependence on the United States.
The Headlines

EU leaders condemned Trump’s tariffs as a catalyst for European economic independence while rejecting U.S. demands to abandon diversity policies. This united front demonstrates the power of collective action in resisting external pressures that threaten democratic norms and economic stability.

What happened: EU leaders have condemned Trump's tariffs and said that they are a catalyst for Europe's economic independence. Countries within the EU are rejecting U.S. demands to abandon diversity policies and preparing countermeasures to protect their economies.
Why it matters: The EU's united front demonstrates the effectiveness of collective action in resisting external pressures that threaten democratic norms. By prioritizing regional autonomy, the EU is reducing its vulnerability to authoritarian influences from abroad.
The Headlines

Greenland’s leaders have rebuffed Trump’s attempts to acquire the territory, with its new leader sending a defiant message and Trump suggesting military force as an option. Greenland’s resistance exemplifies the importance of smaller nations standing firm against coercive tactics from larger powers, safeguarding autonomy on the global stage.

What happened: Greenland's leadership has firmly rebuffed Trump's attempts to acquire the territory, with its new leader Jens Frederik Nielsen sending a defiant message. Trump has even suggested military force as an option following Denmark's criticism of his administration's actions.
Why it matters: Greenland's resistance exemplifies the importance of smaller nations standing up against coercive tactics from larger powers. By asserting its sovereignty, Greenland is safeguarding its autonomy and setting a precedent for resisting authoritarian overreach on the global stage.
The Headlines

Resistance Tomorrow

Vulnerabilities & Exposures

There continue to be signs of growing tensions within the Republican Party and concerns over Trump’s policies, while the SignalGate scandal underscores serious national security breaches and their potential to spark defections from the security services.

MAGA & GOP Discontent

What happened: Prominent Republicans, including Senator Susan Collins, have openly challenged Trump’s attempts to withhold emergency federal spending, arguing it violates Congressional authority. Meanwhile, economic volatility linked to Trump’s tariff policies has raised fears of a recession, and influential conservatives have questioned the constitutionality of his executive orders on voting. These developments reflect potential divisions within the GOP and broader concerns about Trump’s governance.
Why it matters: Internal dissent within the GOP could weaken Trump’s grip on the party, creating opportunities for pro-democracy coalitions to challenge authoritarian rule. Economic instability and legal controversies also expose vulnerabilities in Trump’s administration that could galvanize public resistance. Building on these fractures may help counter authoritarian consolidation by fostering broader coalitions across political divides.
The Headlines

SignalGate & Potential Security Service Defections

What happened: A major security breach occurred when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared sensitive military plans in an unsecured Signal group chat, sparking outrage among national security officials. The incident has led to bipartisan calls for accountability, but Trump has resisted firing implicated officials, further dividing public opinion and undermining trust in government institutions.
Why it matters: The SignalGate scandal highlights the risks of eroding institutional norms and accountability under authoritarian leadership. Such breaches can demoralize security personnel and create openings for defections, which are critical in resisting autocratic regimes. Addressing these issues through transparency and reform is essential to restoring trust in democratic institutions and preventing further authoritarian overreach.
The Headlines

The Double Standard at the Center of the Signal Debacle

Upcoming Actions

📚 Backsliding and Resistance in the United States - Harvard Ash Center Webinar on April 3 📚

What happened: The Harvard Ash Center is hosting a webinar featuring Professors Erica Chenoweth and Steven Levitsky discussing lessons from historical mobilization and opposition to autocracy in the United States. The event is part of the Center's "Understanding Disruption" series examining various domains experiencing political disruption.
Why it matters: Educational events like this provide crucial historical context and strategic frameworks for effective resistance. By learning from scholars who study nonviolent resistance, authoritarianism, and democratic backsliding, participants can develop a more sophisticated understanding of resistance tactics and strategies, while connecting with others concerned about protecting democratic institutions.
Information & Resources

Backsliding and Resistance in the United States - Harvard Ash Center Webinar

🚨 Send Trump a Message with the Hands Off protests - Washington DC & nationwide, April 5, 2025 🚨

What happened: A major mobilization is being organized in Washington, DC and nationwide on April 5th, bringing together multiple organizations. The event aims to be a large-scale demonstration against what organizers describe as dictatorial leadership.
Why it matters: Mass demonstrations at symbolic locations like the nation's capital serve as powerful visual representations of public dissent that can inspire further resistance. This coordinated action across multiple organizations demonstrates the kind of united front that resistance scholars identify as crucial for effective opposition to authoritarian regimes, while providing participants with connections to ongoing resistance networks.
Information & Resources

📚 Task Force Butler is holding a "Fight Fascism in Your Community" online training on April 8. 📚

What happened: The "Fight Fascism in Your Community" initiative by Task Force Butler invites individuals to a virtual training session aimed at creating antifascist organizations, starting with accessible formats like book clubs. The training focuses on building community, fostering political education, and combating hate at the local level.
Why it matters: Grassroots initiatives like this empower communities to organize against authoritarian tendencies by leveraging nonviolent resistance strategies such as education, solidarity, and collective action. Drawing from historical insights, these efforts can weaken the sources of power for oppressive regimes and foster democratic resilience. By promoting participation and awareness, such initiatives reduce the likelihood of societal atomization—a key vulnerability exploited by dictatorships—and strengthen independent civil institutions that are vital for resisting authoritarian control.
Information & Resources

Ready to Fight Fascism in Your Community?

📆 🗺️ Find more opportunities with this list and map 📆 🗺️

A Map of Protests March 29-April 4

📚 And be sure to check out this recent guide to resistance created by The New Republic for more ideas of how you can contribute 📚

Fighting Back: A Citizen’s Guide to Resistance

Finally, we leave you today with some more humor about SignalGate, because if we can’t laugh, we’ll only cry at the malicious incompetence of the Trump-Musk regime. Enjoy!

The Resistance Sentinel

Discussion about this post

Ready for more?