💌 Good News from the Resistance, May 18-24th, 2025
Resistance is everywhere.
Welcome to How to Resist, a blueprint for resistance based on nonviolence, mutual aid, and community building for ordinary people who want to save democracy.
Dear Resisters,
This week, I noticed something changing in the resistance.
From a 30-mile human chain stretching across Chicago to a symbolic “die-in” in Asheville, from a student walkout in Vermont to a breathtaking banner drop on El Capitan in Yosemite, the resistance is evolving and adapting to new strategies of nonviolent resistance.
As the news cycle churns and attention spans shrink, we’re going to have to keep adapting and finding new, nonviolent ways to break through the noise and remind the country what’s at stake. If you’re looking for inspiration or ideas, check out my Thursday series, Tools of Resistance, where I highlight tactics that anyone can use to take action.
But let’s be clear: resistance isn’t only what happens in the streets. It’s also what happens in community spaces, around dinner tables, in schools, and at work. It’s mutual aid networks, neighborhood organizing, and quiet acts of solidarity. These moments may not make headlines, but they are just as vital—and just as capable of changing the world.
Whatever form your resistance takes, keep going. Keep showing up. Keep building. Because every act of defiance, every gesture of care, every refusal to give in—it all matters.
M-.
Support How to Resist
As a librarian writing in the service of democracy, I’m determined to keep How to Resist free to read and publicly available for everyone; no paywalls, no gimmicks, no locked posts.
Producing How to Resist, however, is not free, and with fewer than 1% of readers supporting How to Resist with a paid subscription, we are still a long way from being fully funded.
If this work matters to you and you’re able to support it, please consider a paid subscription and help keep How to Resist going for as long as it’s needed.
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Hundreds march in Asheville against Trump budget cuts
In Asheville, North Carolina, hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets to protest the Trump administration’s budget policies, which they say endanger vulnerable communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and low-income families. The march featured a symbolic “die-in” to represent lives at risk due to cuts in healthcare, housing, and social services. Organizers emphasized the urgency of local resistance and called on state leaders to take action.
"There's not a lot that I feel that I can contribute, but I can put my body on the line, so I show up.” – Mary Alm, 42, Asheville resident
Free speech champions challenge Trump assault in open letter
In an open letter, seven major free speech organizations—including the ACLU and PEN America—warn that President Trump’s recent actions pose a serious threat to First Amendment rights. The letter criticizes universities and institutions for yielding to political pressure, citing the detention and deportation of student activists as a chilling example. Advocates argue that democracy itself is at risk if the right to protest and speak freely is not fiercely defended.1
"Democracy and free speech are inextricably linked. If we are to govern ourselves, we must be able to inquire, speak, write, associate, and protest without fear of governmental retaliation.
– An Open Letter to Leaders of American Institutions
Hands Across Chicagoland: Thousands form human chain to protest Trump policies
In a powerful display of unity, thousands of demonstrators lined Ogden Avenue and other major thoroughfares through 30 miles of Chicago suburbs this week in a protest dubbed Hands Across Chicagoland. The event, organized by a coalition of grassroots groups, aimed to denounce the Trump administration’s recent crackdowns on civil liberties and immigrant rights. Protesters held hands, waved signs, and chanted messages of solidarity, calling for justice, democracy, and an end to authoritarian overreach.2 3
"In 1989, my cousin Raja and her husband held hands in a human chain that stretched across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: 25% of the Baltic population was demanding an end to 50 years of brutal Soviet occupation, and Baltic independence was achieved in 1991. Today I joined Hands Across Chicagoland to denounce autocracy and corruption, in solidarity with thousands of other Americans who value freedom and believe in human rights for all." — Ingrid Niinemae, first-generation Estonian American
Veterans rally in Fresno to oppose Trump’s VA cuts
In Fresno, California, veterans and their families gathered outside the local Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center to protest proposed cuts to veterans’ healthcare under the Trump administration. The cuts would reduce the VA workforce by 17%, amounting to about 83,000 jobs, nearly a quarter of which are held by veterans themselves. Organizers warned that the budget reductions could jeopardize critical services for thousands of veterans. The protest is part of a growing national backlash against the administration’s cuts to social services.4
“I’m demonstrating [because] of what they’re trying to do to our benefits. We laid our life on the line and a lot of my buddies did the same, but you know what? They didn’t come back, so I’m gonna do this for them, myself and my brothers,” – Manuel Vega, 76-year-old United States Marine Corps veteran who served in the Vietnam War in 1968 through 1969
Teachers Rally Outside SpaceX to Protest Trump-Musk Education Cuts
Teachers and education advocates gathered outside SpaceX headquarters this week to protest sweeping education budget cuts backed by the Trump-Musk administration. The protest was organized as part of the California Teachers Association’s statewide day of action, and focused on the cuts to special education, meal programs, and the dismantling of the Department of Education.5
“My son was born premature and diagnosed with a speech delay, but thanks to the Special Education program at Arminta Elementary, he found his voice. I can’t imagine my son losing the services he relies on just to fund tax breaks for billionaires. And I won’t stand by while other families lose what saved mine.” — Cristal Lowe, Central Valley parent
Rep. Al Green files articles of impeachment against Trump
Congressman Al Green (TX-D) has filed new articles of impeachment against President Trump, citing a moral and constitutional crisis. In a statement, Green declared that Trump is “unfit to defend the ideals that have made America great,” referencing values like decency, justice, and equality. Green, who has served in Congress since 2005, said he acted now “before tanks are rolling down the street,” warning of escalating authoritarianism. Whether the resolution will advance in the House remains uncertain, but the move underscores growing resistance within Congress.6
Massive trans flag unfurled on El Capitan in Yosemite
In a breathtaking act of protest and celebration, a coalition of transgender, queer, and allied climbers unfurled a 55-by-35-foot Trans Pride flag on El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. The action, Trans is Natural, was a direct response to the Trump administration’s erasure of LGBTQ+ history from federal websites. Activists said the flag was meant to affirm that “Trans people are natural and Trans people are loved.” 7
“We flew the Trans pride flag in Yosemite to make a statement: Trans people are natural and Trans people are loved. Let this flag fly higher than hate. We are done being polite about Trans people’s existence. Call it a protest, call it a celebration — either way, it’s giving elevation to liberation.” -Pattie Gonia, outdoor influencer and drag queen
Rural Kansas protesters find solace in resistance
Montgomery County, Kansas, population 31,448, is so rural that TV antennas don’t work and most residents don’t have access to high-speed internet. 72% of Montgomery residents voted for Trump. But in this red county, a group of resisters is making a stand. Carol Sanders has been organizing small but meaningful rallies through Facebook, offering a place where people can “make a statement or find community.” “Really, I guess what it comes down to is a threat to our democracy. What is going on is abhorrent to me. I was a Republican for years. I voted. I paid attention, to some degree, to the news. I never in a million years thought I would be organizing political protests,” said Sanders.8
“I don’t like controversy. I’ve never protested before in my life and I’m basically a conflict avoider. [But I’m here because] I’ve done everything right. I voted. I worked election jobs, and now I’m really frustrated. For me it’s about respect. … Respect for all people, the economy, immigrants, science.”-- Dale Belcher, 68, retired music teacher
University of Oregon faculty union declares itself a ‘Sanctuary Union,’ vows to resist ICE
Faculty at the University of Oregon have declared their union a “Sanctuary Union,” vowing not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Representing nearly 1,900 employees, the University Academics union announced it will resist ICE deportation efforts, establish a legal defense fund, and educate members on how to lawfully resist ICE.9
“Be it resolved that UA declares itself a ‘Sanctuary Union’ that will take measures to protect the rights and safety of all the employees we represent and their families, regardless of their immigration status or national origin. [We] will not voluntarily cooperate with federal agents in the arrest, prosecution, or attempted deportation of represented employees or their family members” and will commit to “educate faculty and other workers on best practices to lawfully resist unlawful actions by ICE and its agents.” - UA Sanctuary Policy Regarding Non-citizen & Naturalized Workers
California protesters push back against Trump’s anti-LGBTQ+, anti-immigrant policies
On May 17th, as part of the International Day Against Transphobia, Homophobia and Biphobia, a diverse coalition of protesters gathered in North County, California, to denounce the Trump administration’s policies targeting transgender individuals and immigrant communities. The demonstration, held in a local park, featured speeches, music, and community art. Protesters emphasized that “everybody has skin in the game,” highlighting the intersectional nature of the resistance. The event drew families, students, and activists who called for dignity, inclusion, and federal accountability.10
“This is not just about ‘I don’t like this president because he doesn’t express my opinion.’ This is about presidents violating the basis of democracy… the deportation without due process, the unprecedented attack against the LGBT community.” – Max Disposti, North County LGBTQ Resource Center
Vermont students walk out to protest immigration crackdown
Students at Champlain Valley Union High School in Vermont staged a walkout this week to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies after two of their classmates from Nicaragua were told they would be deported. The students gave speeches and held signs reading, “Immigrants built this country,” and “All are Welcome.”11 [Video]
“We see a lot of things on the news, but once it happens, once it’s something in our community, it’s different; it means a lot more to us. So, I think kind of educating people was the big thing, and showing that we support everyone,” Lauren Knudsen, CVU student
Central Coast California Indivisible rallies against Trump and Musk
From Los Osos to Santa Maria, communities across California’s Central Coast rallied this weekend against the Trump administration and Elon Musk. Organized by local Indivisible chapters, the protests drew hundreds of demonstrators waving flags and holding signs with messages like “Stronger Together” and “Musk or Us!” In Los Osos, the Estero Bay chapter hosted a Four Corners Peaceful Protest, while in Santa Maria, over 250 people gathered to denounce what they called the growing influence of billionaires over American democracy.12
Nashville protesters denounce ICE raids and political intimidation
"I'm a mom. This is not right what's going on here. They're tearing families apart and rounding them up like cattle. It's inhumane." - Tanya Williams, resident
Roughly 200 protesters gathered in South Nashville this week to denounce a wave of ICE arrests that swept through the city, resulting in the detention of nearly 200 immigrants. Organized by the Nashville Party for Socialism and Liberation, the demonstration took place at the site of the first arrests and featured calls for justice, due process, and community solidarity. Protesters also pushed back against U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles (TN-R), who shared the protest flier online and called for ICE to intervene, an act many saw as an attempt to intimidate peaceful demonstrators.13
"Some of us have documentation ... and so we need to use that privilege. So many people can't. You can hear them driving by and honking — people who are going to work, or are scared leaving their homes and can't come out here today. So it's important for those of us who can to use our voice." - Lindy Drolsum, Nashville Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL)
Protesters demand justice for detained student activist Mahmoud Khalil
Hundreds of protesters traveled from New Orleans to the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena this week to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil, a Syrian-born legal U.S. resident and former Columbia University student. Khalil, who was arrested in March for his involvement in pro-Palestinian campus protests, remains in detention as his legal team fights to terminate deportation proceedings. Demonstrators rallied outside the facility, waving Palestinian flags, praying, and calling attention to what they see as a dangerous crackdown on political dissent.14
“Today is so much bigger than Mahmoud, it’s so much bigger than all of the students that have been kidnapped by ICE. This is really a vital moment in the history of the United States democracy and Palestine,” Sabrine Mohamad, human rights lawyer
Demonstrators Flood Capitol Hill to protest Trump’s Budget Bill
As the House prepared to vote on Trump’s sweeping “Big, Beautiful Budget Bill,” protesters flooded a Capitol Hill office building in a dramatic show of resistance. Chanting and holding signs, demonstrators disrupted business for a short time, drawing attention to the bill’s deep cuts to Medicaid, education, and climate programs. The protest underscored growing grassroots opposition to what critics call a massive giveaway to the wealthy, wrapped in populist rhetoric. The bill narrowly passed the House, setting up a fierce battle in the Senate.15
Protesters crash Trump’s crypto dinner
President Trump’s exclusive crypto gala at his Virginia golf club drew hundreds of high-rolling investors—and a wave of protest. The event, celebrating Trump’s personal memecoin, was held at Trump National Golf Club and attended by international guests flown in for the occasion. As Trump arrived by military helicopter, dozens of protesters lined the entrance, chanting “shame, shame, shame” and condemning what they called a historic corruption of the presidency.16
Protesters rally outside West Point during Trump speech
As Trump delivered the graduation address at the US Military Academy at West Point, protesters gathered outside the Thayer Gate in Highland Falls, New York, voicing opposition to his presence at the historic military academy. Demonstrators held signs and chanted slogans like “Defend Democracy,” and “Go Army, Beat Fascism,” while a flotilla of boats joined the protest from the Hudson River. The protest was a symbolic stand against what demonstrators called Trump’s “profound insult to American patriots.” The peaceful demonstration underscored growing resistance to Trump’s efforts to align military institutions with his political agenda.17
Fighting Back in the Courts
30 cities challenge the Trump administration’s plans to strip legal protections for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela
The amicus brief filed with the Supreme Court states, “by suddenly revoking the legal status and work authorization for hundreds of thousands of residents, the termination of the CNHV — Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela — parole program would have extreme and negative consequences to the economic vitality and public safety of cities across the U.S.” The CNHV parole program allows certain people the right to live and work in the United States if conditions in their home country made it an urgent humanitarian imperative.18
Fired Safety Commissioners Sue Trump Over “Unlawful” Dismissals
Three Democratic members of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming their terminations were illegal and politically motivated. The commissioners were all appointed by President Biden and argue that their removal violates federal law protecting independent agency leadership. The lawsuit seeks to reinstate the commissioners and block further political interference in consumer safety oversight.
"Safety shouldn’t be partisan. The CPSC needs independent leadership that is not beholden to anyone, whether it is corporate interests or the administration." —CPSC Commissioner Mary Boyle, plaintiff
Judge Rebukes Trump Admin Over Secret Deportations to South Sudan
A federal judge has said that the Trump administration may have violated a court order by secretly deporting migrants to South Sudan, ordering the administration to maintain custody of the migrants until the court can determine if they were given adequate due process. Legal experts warn that these deportations may violate both domestic and international law, especially given the ongoing instability in South Sudan.19
Federal judge blocks Trump from revoking international students’ immigration status
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White said the Trump administration “likely exceeded their authority and acted arbitrarily and capriciously” in efforts to terminate foreign students’ visas. “The relief the Court grants provides Plaintiffs with a measure of stability and certainty that they will be able to continue their studies or their employment without the threat of re-termination hanging over their heads,” White wrote. The administration had previously terminated the visas of 4,700 international students.20
Judge rules Trump’s watchdog firings were illegal
In a major legal victory, a federal judge ruled that Donald Trump illegally fired two members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board earlier this year. The bipartisan panel, created after 9/11 to monitor government surveillance and counterterrorism programs, was designed to be independent from presidential interference. Judge Reggie B. Walton, a George W. Bush appointee, issued a permanent injunction ordering the reinstatement of the ousted members, calling Trump’s actions “arbitrary” and incompatible with the board’s mission. The ruling is being hailed as a crucial defense of democratic oversight and the rule of law.
"The court’s decision is a win for privacy, a win for civil liberties, a win for independent agencies and a win for the rule of law." Travis LeBlanc, plaintiff
Harvard sues Trump over crackdown on international students
Harvard University filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration less than 24 hours after it was barred from enrolling new international students. The administration claims Harvard failed to comply with visa reporting rules, but the university argues the move is politically motivated and part of a broader campaign to punish institutions that resist Trump’s agenda. The lawsuit marks a major escalation in the standoff between elite universities and the White House over academic freedom and immigration policy.21
“Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard.” —Harvard lawsuit
Judge Halts Trump Ban on Harvard’s International Students
On the same day that Harvard filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, a federal judge in Massachusetts temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to bar Harvard University from enrolling international students. The Department of Homeland Security had abruptly revoked Harvard’s certification to host foreign students, threatening thousands with deportation. Harvard filed suit within hours, calling the move an unprecedented attack on academic freedom. The judge’s ruling restores the university’s ability to enroll international students—for now—while the case proceeds. The decision is being hailed as a crucial stand against political interference in higher education.22
Judge strikes down Trump’s attack on Law Firm
A federal judge has ruled that Donald Trump’s executive order targeting the law firm Jenner & Block is unconstitutional, calling it a direct violation of the First Amendment. The order sought to punish the firm for representing clients and causes the administration opposes. U.S. District Judge John Bates issued a sweeping injunction, stating the move was “doubly violative of the Constitution” and aimed at silencing legal dissent. The ruling is being hailed as a major victory for the independence of the legal profession and a sharp rebuke of Trump’s efforts to politicize the justice system.
"This order, like the others, seeks to chill legal representation the administration doesn’t like, thereby insulating the Executive Branch from the judicial check fundamental to the separation of powers." —Judge John Bates
Judge blocks Trump’s federal workforce purge
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s sweeping plan to slash the federal workforce, calling it an overreach of executive power. The ruling halts a February executive order that aimed to eliminate over 100,000 federal jobs and restructure major agencies under the so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Judge Susan Illston ruled that the president cannot unilaterally reorganize the executive branch without congressional approval, issuing a preliminary injunction to pause the cuts. The administration has already appealed the decision, setting up a high-stakes legal battle over the future of the federal bureaucracy.23
"Agencies may not conduct large-scale reorganizations and reductions in force in blatant disregard of Congress's mandates." — Judge Susan Illston.
Judge blocks Trump’s plan to gut Education Department
A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s sweeping plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, calling it an unconstitutional power grab and ordering the reinstatement of hundreds of department workers. The executive order, issued earlier this year, aimed to eliminate the department and transfer its responsibilities to state governments. But Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that only Congress has the authority to dissolve a federal agency, issuing a nationwide injunction to halt the plan. The decision is being hailed by educators and civil rights advocates as a critical defense of public education and democratic checks and balances.24
"The president cannot dismantle a Cabinet-level agency without congressional approval," wrote U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan
Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you on Thursday! M-.
Support How to Resist
As a librarian writing in the service of democracy, I’m determined to keep How to Resist free to read and publicly available for everyone; no paywalls, no gimmicks, no locked posts.
Producing How to Resist, however, is not free, and with fewer than 1% of readers supporting How to Resist with a paid subscription, we are still a long way from being fully funded.
If this work matters to you and you’re able to support it, please consider a paid subscription and help keep How to Resist going for as long as it’s needed.
Prefer a one-time contribution? You can donate at ko-fi.com/howtoresist
https://www.ksby.com/los-osos/community-members-rally-against-musk-trump-at-central-coast-rallies
https://lailluminator.com/2025/05/22/khalil-ice/
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/watch-leftist-protesters-flood-capitol-hill-office-building-big-beautiful-budget-bill-vote-looms
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/22/us/politics/trump-memecoin-dinner.html
https://www.lohud.com/picture-gallery/news/local/2025/05/24/protesters-outside-west-point-president-trump-keynote-speaker/83828250007/
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/23/us/harvard-sues-trump-international-students-garber.html
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/05/23/harvard-lawsuit-international-students-trump-administration/
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/23/judge-blocks-trump-federal-workforce-cuts.html
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-judge-blocks-trump-administration-plan-gut-education-department-2025-05-22/
Thank you for listing so many activities!! I am indeed heartened and have forwarded your message along. :-)
There is NO resistance. Your efforts are quite feeble and certainly not close in a majority of what Americans desire. All you people are a communists rebranded like little beta cunts. Eventually, your efforts will be met with brutal force and strong legislation as all CCP, authoritarian and communist initiatives should be.