💌 Good News from the Resistance, May 25-31st, 2025
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,
For years and years, I’ve used the word “activist” to broadly describe people who are engaged in the fight against injustice. But over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed myself pulling back from the use of that word. Not because it’s wrong, but because in this moment, it feels too narrow, too fringe, like it only applies to a certain kind of person, with a certain kind of training, or who is resisting in a particular way.
What we’re seeing now is broader than that. To me, it’s participation. It’s people from all walks of life engaging in the political process in any way they can: students walking out of class, cancer survivors rallying for Medicaid, veterans speaking out against ICE abuses, librarians organizing read-ins, and judges ruling against executive overreach. These aren’t just “activists.” They’re real, ordinary people engaging in public life, many for the first time, because they believe it matters.
And that’s the heart of democracy. It’s participatory. It depends on people showing up; not just to vote, but to speak, and organize, and resist, and to care for one another. By framing this work as “participation,” we open the door wider. We make it clear that everyone has a role to play, no matter what your situation is, or where you’re coming from.
The courts played their role this week, too, with two federal courts striking down Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs. According to political scientist Adam Bonica from On Data and Democracy, the Trump administration lost 96% of its federal court cases in May.1 That’s a powerful reminder that the judicial branch is still functioning as a check on power—and that legal resistance is just as vital as protest in the streets.
But now’s not the time to let up. If we’ve learned one thing about the Trump administration, it’s its determination to get what it wants by any means necessary.
So keep showing up, keep paying attention, and keep engaging in all the ways you’re engaging. It’s going to take all of us to save democracy. But from what I’ve seen, we’re up to the challenge.
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.
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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A Thousand Fires Everywhere
Minnesota Immigrants Protest Rollback of Health Coverage
Immigrants and immigrant rights activists rallied at the Minnesota Capitol this week to protest a budget deal that would strip undocumented adults of access to MinnesotaCare, the state’s low-cost health insurance program. The rollback, part of a bipartisan agreement to avoid a government shutdown, would end coverage for roughly 20,000 undocumented residents by year’s end. Protesters, chanting in English and Spanish, condemned Governor Tim Walz and Democratic leaders for compromising with Republicans, who made the cuts a top priority.2
Tallahassee Rallies Against ICE Raids
In response to a sweeping immigration raid that detained over 100 people at a Tallahassee construction site, nearly 200 protesters gathered at the Florida Historic Capitol to demand an end to mass deportations. Organized by the Tallahassee Immigrant Rights Alliance, the rally condemned the raid as part of a broader “racist agenda” by Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis. Demonstrators held signs reading “Abolish ICE” and “Immigrants are welcome here,” while cars honked in support.3
“It’s unfair to be treated like this, like animals. Especially putting them in zip ties, that’s not where they belong […] Looking at this [the protest], it makes me feel great. It makes me think that hopefully, it’s going to change.” — Ana Laura Ventura, nursing student, Tallahassee State College
Bay Area Activists Rally Against ICE Courthouse Arrests
Immigration activists in the Bay Area are organizing rallies in San Francisco, Concord, and Sacramento after ICE agents detained at least eight individuals at local courthouses this week. The arrests, which occurred during scheduled immigration hearings, were condemned as violations of due process. Organizers say the rallies aim to defend legal rights and push back against the Trump administration’s aggressive enforcement tactics.4
NYC Protests Erupt After ICE Detains Public School Student
Outrage is mounting in New York City after ICE detained Dylan, a 20-year-old Venezuelan public school student with legal asylum status, outside a federal immigration court. Advocates say Dylan was misled into surrendering his protections despite having work authorization and attending all required hearings. In the days since his arrest, ICE has transferred him through four states, and he is now held in Pennsylvania. Demonstrators have rallied outside the Department of Education and immigration court, calling the detention a betrayal of due process. “Dylan has been tricked, trapped, and kidnapped,” said activist Power Malu, "He came here legally. We need to make clear he came through a port of entry, [is an] asylum seeker and has work authorization, social security. Everything that he needs to do to be compliant and make sure he's on the path to immigration status, he's been doing. He's been going to his court hearings and that's exactly what he did in this situation."5
"Nothing can change unless the people stand up, we know that what we are doing is on the right side of justice, soon people will understand this and will stand up." —Ravi Raragbir, New Sanctuary Coalition
23 Protesters Arrested While Attempting to Block Vans Transporting Immigration Detainees
Outrage is growing in New York City after ICE agents conducted sweeping arrests inside two Manhattan immigration courthouses, detaining migrants, observers, and even a Queens pastor. The arrests, part of a Trump administration push for expedited deportations, targeted individuals attending routine court check-ins, many of whom had entered legally under Biden-era programs. Protesters gathered outside the Varick Street courthouse, attempting to block vans transporting detainees. NYPD officers arrested at least 23 demonstrators, some of whom were dragged away in zip ties. Immigration attorneys warn the crackdown could deter people from attending court hearings, undermining due process. Advocates condemned the operation as a betrayal of sanctuary city values and a dangerous escalation in immigration enforcement.6
NYC Students Walk Out to Defend Democracy
Hundreds of high school students across New York City staged a coordinated walkout this week, rallying in Union Square to protest what they described as anti-democratic actions by the Trump administration. Organized by the student-led group We the Students, the protest was intentionally nonpartisan, uniting teens from diverse political backgrounds around shared concerns about threats to constitutional rights, academic freedom, and immigration enforcement. Despite the risk of school penalties, students emphasized the importance of speaking out. Students held signs reading, “Fascism is bad, actually,” and, “We’re not radical, we just pay attention in history class.” The walkout reflects a growing wave of youth-led civic engagement and a deepening protest culture in NYC schools.7
“I know a lot of people close to me, a lot of my friends who do go to my school judged me for wanting to go to this. It’s one of those things where they don’t believe in politics. But at this point, it’s not politics, it’s human rights.” —Samantha Kim, freshman at the Clinton School.
NY Protesters Rally Against ICE and VA Cuts, Support Community Aid
The demonstration brought together multiple groups to voice opposition to federal immigration enforcement and threats to veterans’ services. Local leaders spoke out, and organizers collected food donations for the Church of St. Vincent de Paul.8
Memorial Day Protest in North Carolina Mourns “Death” of Constitutional Rights
Organized by 50501 Greenville, the protest featured tombstones labeled with constitutional amendments and their “dates of death” in 2025. Participants, including veterans, decried the erosion of free speech and due process. The event was both a call to action and a tribute to democratic values, with future rallies planned in Washington, D.C., and beyond.9 [Video]
CBS Anchor Scott Pelley Defends Free Speech in Viral Graduation Speech
In a powerful address to Wake Forest’s Class of 2025, Pelley called out the Trump administration’s assaults on journalism, universities, and the rule of law. His remarks, emphasizing debate over demonization and courage over fear, struck a chord and a nerve. A viral clip shared by a pro-MAGA account sparked backlash, but many, including media analysts, praised Pelley’s message as a vital defense of democratic values.10
Watch here: https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/rwAD8SMJ.mp4
Tallahassee Protest Marks George Floyd Anniversary, Condemns Trump’s Policing Order
Speakers denounced Executive Order 14288 as a “racist dog whistle” that increases police militarization and suppresses dissent. The rally also highlighted local cases of police brutality, including the recent shooting of Jingo Johnson in nearby Greenville. Protesters invoked the memory of the 2020 George Floyd uprising, vowing continued resistance and solidarity in the face of state violence.11
West Virginians Protest Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill”
The protest, organized by Indivisible MOV, targeted provisions in the bill that would impose work requirements on Medicaid recipients and reduce benefits for low-income families. Lisa Moore of Indivisible MOV warned that nearly 90,000 West Virginians could lose healthcare. Protesters urged residents to contact their representatives to oppose the legislation.12
Etsy’s Quiet Resistance
From “8647” (a coded call to reject Trump as the 47th president) to clever acronyms like “Foamy, Double shot, Tea latte” (FDT), Etsy sellers are embedding anti-Trump messages into whimsical designs featuring flowers, dogs, pasta, and coffee. These designs offer a form of protest that’s low-key but meaningful. It’s a quieter, more creative wave of opposition that reflects the evolving tone of the Trump resistance movement.13
Chicago Protest Honors George Floyd, Condemns Trump’s Rollbacks on Racial Justice
Two hundred protesters gathered to commemorate George Floyd and resist Trump’s rollback of racial justice policies. Speakers condemned Executive Order 14288, which boosts police funding and militarization, and criticized the stalling of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. Organizers called for continued resistance and coalition-building to counter Trump’s agenda.14
Virginia Teen Launches Activist Training Program for Youth
Inspired by her Bolivian family’s political activism and her own organizing with the 50501 movement, Dia Figueroa is helping teens learn how to protest, organize campaigns, and make their voices heard. Her program, rooted in compassion and community, grew out of a newsletter she created to share protest and volunteer opportunities. Dia emphasizes that activism starts with empathy and knowledge—and that even young people can make a difference.15
Seattle Protesters Clash with Police at “Mayday USA” Event
Hundreds of counter-protesters rallied against the “Mayday USA” event, which featured far-right speakers and was endorsed by former state Rep. Matt Shea. Protesters denounced the event as a provocation and a threat to trans and queer communities. Clashes with police led to 23 arrests, with officers using pepper spray under new city rules allowing “less-lethal” crowd control weapons. Activists carried signs like “The Trump Fascist Regime Must Go,” while groups like Radical Women and Organized Workers for Labor Solidarity called for continued resistance to bigotry and state repression.16
New Orleans Protesters Demand Release of Political Prisoners and End to ICE Collaboration
About 20 protesters gathered to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil and other political prisoners, denouncing ICE’s role in detaining activists and immigrants in abusive conditions. The protest is part of a weekly series calling for ICE to be removed from campuses and communities. The New Orleans ICE office, which oversees five Southern states, has become a focal point after detaining multiple Palestine solidarity organizers.17
Michigan Groups Protest Trump’s Library Cuts with “Read-In”
Local activists in Livingston County, Michigan, are organizing a “Read-In” protest this Sunday to oppose the Trump administration’s $4.8 million cut to Michigan library services. Protesters will read aloud from favorite books and hold signs to raise awareness about the impact of defunding the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which supports interlibrary loans and shared databases.18
“Libraries support the freedom to be informed, a key part of a democratic society.” —local Democratic Party Chair Judy Daubenmier
Cancer Survivors and Advocates Rally to Defend Medicaid in Pennsylvania
A coalition of cancer survivors, health care providers, and disability advocates rallied outside Senator Dave McCormick’s Philadelphia office this week to protest proposed federal Medicaid cuts. The House-passed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” would impose work requirements, increase eligibility checks, and introduce cost-sharing for low-income adults— changes that could impact nearly 240,000 Pennsylvanians. Breast cancer survivor Alisha Gillespie called the proposed changes “inhumane,” saying she wouldn’t have survived without Medicaid. Advocates urged lawmakers to treat Medicaid not as an entitlement, but as an investment in public health.19
Musk Leaves Washington
Elon Musk’s tumultuous stint in the Trump administration came to an end this week. Once hailed as the architect of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk failed to deliver on his promise to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget. His tenure was marred by inflated savings claims, internal chaos, and growing scrutiny, including a recent exposé on his drug use. With DOGE’s credibility in question and court losses piling up, Musk’s departure may signal the unraveling of one of Trump’s most chaotic experiments in governance.20
Fighting Back in the Courts
Court Blocks Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
In a major legal blow to the Trump administration, a federal court has blocked the president’s sweeping use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on imports. The U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs exceeded his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), calling the measures a violation of trade law. The ruling came in response to lawsuits from small businesses and a coalition of states led by Oregon. While the administration has filed an appeal, the decision marks a significant check on executive overreach.21
“This ruling reaffirms that our laws matter, and that trade decisions can’t be made on the president’s whim.” — Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield.
Second Federal Court Blocks Trump’s Tariffs
In another legal setback for the Trump administration, a second federal court has ruled against the president’s use of emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs on global imports. U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras found that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize the tariffs outlined in four of Trump’s executive orders. The ruling follows a similar decision by the U.S. Court of International Trade just a day earlier.22
Judge Strikes Down Trump’s Retaliatory Order Against Law Firm
In a major win for the legal profession, a federal judge has struck down President Trump’s executive order targeting the elite law firm WilmerHale. The order, part of a broader campaign against firms that represented Trump’s political opponents or investigated his administration, was ruled unconstitutional by Judge Richard J. Leon, who called it a “staggering punishment for the firm’s protected speech.” The ruling follows similar victories by other firms like Perkins Coie and Jenner & Block, which also challenged Trump’s retaliatory orders. The decision affirms that the executive branch cannot weaponize federal power to intimidate or silence legal advocates.23
NPR Sues Trump Over Funding Ban
NPR claims Trump’s May 1 executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cut off funds, was politically motivated. The suit, backed by free speech attorney Theodore J. Boutrous, calls the move “textbook retaliation” and a threat to press freedom. NPR President Katherine Maher emphasized the network’s commitment to independent journalism, rejecting accusations of bias. The CPB, a private nonprofit created by Congress, has so far ignored the order, citing its legal independence from presidential control.24
Conservationists Sue Trump Over Pacific Marine Monument Rollback
Environmental advocates are challenging Trump’s move to allow commercial fishing in the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, a protected area originally expanded by Obama and renamed by Biden. Conservationists warn that fishing will devastate marine life and disrupt ecosystems vital to the people of Oceania. The lawsuit is part of a broader resistance to Trump’s rollback of environmental protections in his second term.25
16 States Sue Trump Over Science Cuts
A coalition of 16 states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration to block $1.4 billion in cuts to National Science Foundation (NSF) programs. The lawsuit argues that the cuts—targeting diversity initiatives and capping indirect research costs—violate congressional mandates and threaten the U.S.’s leadership in science and technology. Over 1,700 research grants have already been canceled, including programs supporting women, minorities, and people with disabilities in STEM. The legal challenge underscores a broader resistance to the administration’s efforts to politicize science and dismantle equity-focused research.26
Youth Sue Trump Over Climate Rollbacks
In a bold new legal challenge, 22 young Americans aged 7 to 25 have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that recent executive orders promoting fossil fuel production and suppressing climate science violate their constitutional rights to life and liberty. The plaintiffs, represented by the nonprofit Our Children’s Trust, argue that the administration’s actions constitute unlawful executive overreach and breach congressional mandates to protect public health and the environment. Lead plaintiff Eva Lighthiser, a 19-year-old from Montana, previously won a landmark climate case in her home state. She and others say Trump’s policies are endangering their futures and exacerbating the climate crisis. The lawsuit seeks to block the implementation of three executive orders and reaffirm environmental protections enshrined in state constitutions.27
Deaf Advocates Sue White House Over ASL Access
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration for halting the use of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters during White House press briefings. The suit, joined by two deaf individuals, argues that the administration is violating the Rehabilitation Act, as well as the First and Fifth Amendments, by denying meaningful access to critical government information. ASL is a primary language for many in the deaf community, and closed captions alone are often insufficient.28
“Deaf and hard of hearing Americans have the right to the same access to White House information as everyone else.” —NAD’s interim CEO Bobbie Beth Scoggins
LGBTQ+ Health Researchers Sue Over Grant Cancellations
GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ+ Equality has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration for terminating hundreds of research grants focused on LGBTQ+ health. The suit targets the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Health and Human Services, alleging that the cancellation of $800 million in funding violates legal protections and undermines public health. The terminations followed Trump’s executive orders banning federal support for projects tied to “gender ideology” and “diversity, equity, and inclusion.” The lawsuit seeks to reverse the funding cuts and restore support for evidence-based, inclusive health research.29
Judge Blocks Trump’s Ban on International Students at Harvard
In a major legal win for academic freedom and immigrant rights, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration’s attempt to bar Harvard from enrolling international students. The Department of Homeland Security had moved to revoke the university’s certification under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, threatening the status of over 7,000 students and scholars. Harvard sued immediately, arguing the move violated due process and First Amendment rights. The court sided with Harvard, allowing international students to remain enrolled while the case proceeds. The decision was met with relief and resolve from students and supporters, who vowed to continue defending the rule of law.30
That’s all for this week! Thanks for reading
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.mediaite.com/media/news/cbs-anchor-scott-pelleys-anti-trump-graduation-speech-goes-viral-maga-fans-lash-out/
https://fightbacknews.org/articles/tallahassee-protest-against-trumps-executive-order-on-george-floyds
https://www.wtap.com/2025/05/26/protesters-gather-mineral-wells-against-president-trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill/
https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/the-quiet-resistance-of-etsy-s-subtle-anti-trump-merch/ar-AA1FcwoR?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1
https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2025/05/25/5-years-after-george-floyds-murder-chicagoans-protest-trumps-rollback-on-police-reforms
https://annandaletoday.com/annandale-teen-offers-activist-training-to-her-peers/
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/arrests-made-at-heated-fascist-family-values-protest-in-seattle/
https://fightbacknews.org/articles/weekly-protest-outside-ice-new-orleans-field-office
https://www.whmi.com/news/article/trump-cuts-library-protest-dems
https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-medicaid-cuts-rally-senate/
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/30/us/politics/trump-elon-musk-takeaways.html
https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-trade-court-0392dbd59f548e49ad4f64254ae3f94a
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/29/second-federal-court-rules-against-trumps-tariffs-00374377
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/27/us/politics/trump-law-firms-wilmerhale.html
https://www.npr.org/2025/05/27/nx-s1-5413094/npr-public-radio-lawsuit-trump-funding-ban
https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/environment-sustainability/conservation-groups-sue-trump-administration-over-opening-of-pacific-national-monument-to-commercial-fishing
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/28/nyregion/trump-science-funding-lawsuit.html
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/may/29/trump-administration-sued-anti-environment-orders
https://www.npr.org/2025/05/29/nx-s1-5415687/deaf-sign-language-trump-white-house-lawsuit
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/lgbtq-researchers-sue-trump-administration-over-grant-terminations/ar-AA1FHoWe
https://www.harvardmagazine.com/2025/05/harvard-trump-judge-blocks-international-student-ban
The coalition to stop Avelo Airlines as a contractor for “ICE Air” is a model for going after the private contractors who are complicit.
https://rgilmartin.substack.com/p/avelo-airlines-and-ice-air-a-model
Yes, totally: “Participation.” The best tactic for participating in our Democracy (and these days, The Resistance to defend it from tyranny) won’t be found in an article, book, social media platform, or podcast. It’ll be assessed, calculated, described, and embraced by each one of us and us alone. So get to it if you haven’t already! Find a participation approach that speaks to your soul and get to work. Your country needs you!