Anti-Trump Protests Spread as Cracks Emerge in the Regime Base - Resistance Brief for 10 April 2025

Information, insight, and inspiration for resisting tyranny in America

Apr 10, 2025

Welcome!

Welcome to The Resistance Sentinel, a publication dedicated to documenting and amplifying the movement to defend democracy against authoritarian rule. After the massive "Hands Off!" protests over the weekend, the Trump regime showed its first cracks this week as the President retreated on tariffs following unprecedented global backlash. Key victories emerged as the Social Security Administration abandoned restrictive phone service plans after public pressure, and a wrongfully detained family in New York returned home following community protests. Things were not so positive for the resistance in the courts, however, as SCOTUS continued to enable Trump’s authoritarian consolidation. Join us in turning awareness into action as we work together toward a more just and democratic future. But first, you’re dose of…

Daily Inspiration

Representative Steven Horsford gives a master class in how to hold Trump regime sycophants to account. If you haven’t watched this video, it is a must see. Be like Representative Horsford.

Resistance Today

Civil Society & Publics

The Trump administration's aggressive policy shifts are facing significant public opposition, while corporations continue to defend diversity initiatives despite mounting pressure. Meanwhile, mass protests against authoritarianism have emerged across the United States.

What happened: President Trump's foreign policy actions, including withdrawing from international agreements and favoring Russia in Ukraine negotiations, are receiving mixed to negative reviews from the American public according to a new Pew Research survey. Levi Strauss & Co. shareholders will vote on an anti-DEI proposal on April 23rd, with the company's board urging rejection and defending the business case for diversity initiatives. Massive "Hands Off" protests erupted across the U.S. over the weekend, with tens of thousands demonstrating against Trump administration policies. In a positive development, a family wrongfully detained by ICE in Sackets Harbor, NY will be released and allowed to return home after community protests.
Why it matters: These events highlight growing resistance to authoritarian consolidation under the Trump regime. The widespread public opposition to Trump's foreign policy shifts, as measured in the Pew survey, indicates eroding support for his agenda. Corporate defense of DEI programs in the face of government pressure demonstrates the private sector's potential to serve as a bulwark against authoritarianism. The emergence of large-scale protests across the country signals a resurgence of mass mobilization tactics that have historically been effective in challenging authoritarian rule. The successful community action to free the detained family in New York showcases how local resistance can achieve concrete wins against federal overreach. Collectively, these developments suggest growing societal pushback against the regime's attempts to consolidate power and roll back civil liberties.
The Headlines

Bureaucratic & Executive

Social Security Administration reverses controversial phone service restriction plan after significant public backlash and media coverage. This victory demonstrates how public pressure and investigative journalism can effectively counter government policies that would disproportionately harm vulnerable populations.

What happened: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has completely abandoned its plan to restrict phone service for new claims that would have forced up to 85,000 elderly and disabled people weekly to verify their identities in person at field offices. The controversial policy, exposed through an internal memo published by Popular Information on March 17, claimed to address "fraud risks" but would have created significant barriers for vulnerable populations. After widespread media coverage and criticism from advocacy groups like AARP, the SSA first delayed implementation and then completely scrapped the plan, confirming that "telephone remains a viable option to the public."
Why it matters: This reversal represents a significant victory for civil resistance through media exposure and public pressure. The original policy would have created substantial barriers to essential services for vulnerable populations—a classic tactic of authoritarian systems that seek to limit access to public resources. By forcing transparency and accountability through investigative journalism, the public was able to challenge a policy that would have disproportionately harmed elderly and disabled citizens. This case demonstrates how civil society can successfully resist harmful bureaucratic changes that threaten access to essential services, particularly for marginalized groups who would face the greatest burden from such restrictions.
The Headlines

UPDATE: After backlash, Social Security scraps plan to restrict phone service

Legal & Judicial

The Trump regime continues to reshape the legal landscape through intimidation of law firms, manipulation of the courts, and targeting of federal employees. Major law firms like Paul Weiss have capitulated to Trump's demands rather than challenge his executive orders in court, while the Supreme Court has repeatedly enabled Trump's authoritarian agenda through narrow procedural rulings that avoid confronting substantive constitutional questions. These developments represent a systematic dismantling of legal checks on executive power, with courts retreating from their role as guardians of the rule of law. The resistance to authoritarianism requires independent legal institutions willing to challenge unconstitutional power grabs, but the current pattern shows many legal actors choosing accommodation over confrontation.

Legal Setbacks for the Resistance

What happened: The Supreme Court has repeatedly sided with the Trump administration on critical cases, using procedural technicalities to avoid addressing substantive constitutional questions. In a 5-4 vote, the Court allowed Trump to deport people under the 18th century Alien Enemies Act, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor warning that "the government's conduct in this litigation poses an extraordinary threat to the rule of law." Chief Justice Roberts also stayed an appeals court order requiring Trump to reinstate two members of independent federal agencies who were wrongfully dismissed, while a federal appeals court cleared the way for Trump to fire over 25,000 probationary federal workers. The Supreme Court has retreated from confrontation, issuing narrow and legalistic rulings that enable Trump's expansion of executive power.
Why it matters: These legal setbacks reveal how authoritarianism can advance through institutional capture rather than outright rejection of legal processes. The Supreme Court's unwillingness to confront Trump's power grabs directly undermines the judiciary's role as a check on executive overreach and creates dangerous precedents that normalize authoritarian behavior. As nonviolent resistance research shows, when key institutions like courts fail to impose costs on authoritarian actions, the regime faces fewer constraints on its power. The Court's retreat from its constitutional role demonstrates how autocracy can advance through the cooperation of ostensibly independent institutions, highlighting the need for resistance strategies that can function even when formal legal channels have been compromised.
The Headlines

Legal Wins for the Resistance

What happened: The resistance was not without some wins, this week, however. Several law firms have taken a stand against Trump's executive orders targeting the legal profession, with Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, and Perkins Coie fighting the legally dubious orders in court. These firms have achieved initial successes, with federal judges issuing temporary restraining orders blocking many of the restrictions aimed at them. The resistance within the legal community has grown as more than 170 alumni of Paul Weiss signed an open letter calling the firm's decision to settle with Trump "cowardly," while the granddaughters of Paul Weiss name partner Judge Simon H. Rifkind wrote a scathing letter condemning the firm's capitulation, stating that "nothing short of the integrity of the entire legal system is at stake."
Why it matters: These acts of resistance demonstrate that legal institutions can serve as bulwarks against authoritarian consolidation when they refuse to be intimidated. Civil resistance theory shows that maintaining independent institutions is crucial for preventing authoritarian takeover, as these institutions can impose costs on regimes that violate democratic norms. The willingness of some law firms to challenge Trump's orders creates legal precedents that could protect other institutions from similar intimidation. When legal professionals stand firm against authoritarian pressure, they help preserve the rule of law and demonstrate that resistance is possible even in the face of threats, providing a model for how other sectors might respond to similar intimidation tactics.
The Headlines

Congress & Lawmakers

Democratic opposition to Trump's tariff policies and congressional efforts to check executive power highlight growing resistance to authoritarian rule. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries frames Trump's tariff "pause" as a sign of weakness resulting from public pressure, while Democrats pursue multiple strategies to reassert congressional authority and protect democratic institutions.

What happened: President Trump announced a temporary pause in his reciprocal tariffs while maintaining a universal 10% tariff and increasing tariffs on China. House Speaker Mike Johnson blocked a vote on terminating Trump's national emergency declaration that justifies these tariffs. Meanwhile, House Democrats are launching investigations into potential conflicts of interest in NASA contracts to Elon Musk's SpaceX, and Senate Democrats are looking to block Trump nominees over concerns about administration "lawlessness."
Why it matters: This situation demonstrates how democratic institutions can attempt to push back against authoritarian consolidation when citizens and elected officials mobilize together. Jeffries specifically noted that "the American people have been rising up consistently, we're battling him in Congress, battling him in the courts" and emphasized that resistance works "when the American people show up, stand up, and speak up." The Democrats' multi-pronged strategy of legal challenges, congressional action, and public mobilization illustrates expanding use of civil resistance tactics against executive overreach in America.
The Headlines

State & Local Governments

State governors across the U.S. are actively challenging Trump's executive overreach through legal action, public statements, and policy initiatives, demonstrating how local resistance can protect democratic institutions against authoritarian consolidation.

What happened: Governors from Massachusetts, California, Illinois, Maine and other states are pushing back against President Trump's sweeping tariffs and executive orders targeting state climate laws and transgender rights. Governor Janet Mills of Maine is facing multiple federal investigations and funding cuts for refusing to ban a single transgender athlete from girls' sports, with agencies like the Department of Education, HHS, USDA, and even the Social Security Administration weaponized against her state. Meanwhile, governors like Gavin Newsom are attempting to shield their states from economic damage while Maryland passed legislation restricting ICE from entering sensitive locations without warrants.
Why it matters: This conflict exemplifies how authoritarian regimes attempt to consolidate power by weaponizing federal agencies against states that resist their policies, a classic tactic for undermining democratic federalism. The governors' resistance demonstrates the critical importance of local power centers in defending democracy, as research shows that effective pro-democracy movements build alternative institutions and protect local autonomy to limit authoritarian reach. By publicly challenging regime policies and pursuing legal action, these governors are protecting vulnerable communities.
The Headlines

Media & Tech

Media outlets face critical challenges in the Trump era as major newspapers downplay nationwide protests while law firms and universities navigate presidential intimidation. These developments highlight how institutional courage and solidarity are essential for preserving democratic norms against authoritarian pressure.

What happened: The New York Times published an opinion piece outlining a "playbook" for institutions to resist Trump's intimidation tactics, emphasizing that capitulation only invites further demands. Meanwhile, major newspapers relegated coverage of massive nationwide "Hands Off!" protests to back pages despite hundreds of thousands participating across all 50 states. Additionally, Paramount and Trump agreed to mediation in his $20 billion lawsuit against CBS News over a "60 Minutes" interview edit, raising concerns about media independence.
Why it matters: These developments reveal how authoritarian consolidation works through institutional intimidation and media normalization of anti-democratic actions. The marginalization of mass protests by print media demonstrates how establishment outlets can inadvertently support authoritarian rule by minimizing visible resistance. Law firms and universities that stand firm against presidential pressure demonstrate that solidarity and legal challenges can effectively counter executive overreach, providing a model for institutional resistance that preserves democratic checks and balances.
The Headlines

International Resistance

Global powers challenge Trump regime's trade war tactics through strategic economic resistance, demonstrating that even powerful authoritarian leaders face constraints when confronted with coordinated opposition. The EU has temporarily suspended its retaliatory tariffs following Trump's unexpected retreat, showing how economic pressure can force authoritarian regimes to backtrack on harmful policies. Meanwhile, China has escalated the conflict by imposing massive 84% tariffs on US goods. Meanwhile, Mexico is exploring energy independence through fracking to reduce vulnerability to Trump's economic coercion, illustrating how nations can build resilience against authoritarian threats.

Europe's Strategic Pause

What happened: The European Union suspended its planned 25% retaliatory tariffs on US goods for 90 days after Donald Trump unexpectedly backed down in his trade offensive. This temporary pause came after the EU had initially agreed to impose tariffs on €21bn (£18bn) of US goods, targeting products from Republican states. The decision followed intense internal debates among EU member states, with countries like France pushing for stronger measures including the potential use of the Anti-Coercion Instrument (ACI) to target US tech and service industries, while Ireland and Italy advocated for a more cautious approach.
Why it matters: This coordinated European response demonstrates how collective economic action can effectively challenge would-be strong men by imposing real costs on aggressive trade policies. By maintaining unity despite internal disagreements, the EU has shown that even powerful authoritarian leaders must reconsider harmful policies when faced with determined resistance. The EU's willingness to use its economic leverage represents a crucial form of nonviolent resistance against the Trump regime's attempts to dominate through economic coercion. This strategic pause creates space for negotiation while keeping retaliatory options ready, illustrating how economic interdependence can be weaponized to constrain authoritarian behavior.
The Headlines

China's Aggressive Retaliation

What happened: China has dramatically escalated the global trade war by imposing massive 84% tariffs on US imports in direct response to President Trump's 104% tariffs on Chinese goods. This represents the most aggressive economic countermeasure taken against the Trump regime's trade policies, far exceeding the EU's more measured 25% tariff approach. The Chinese government's decisive action signals its unwillingness to accept the Trump administration's unilateral trade demands and demonstrates its capacity to inflict significant economic pain on US producers and consumers.
Why it matters: By imposing such severe counter-tariffs, China is leveraging its economic power to impose real costs on the Trump regime, potentially creating domestic political pressure that constrains further authoritarian actions. This economic resistance strategy demonstrates that even powerful authoritarian leaders face limitations when their policies trigger coordinated opposition from major economic powers. China's willingness to absorb economic pain to stand against US pressure also shows how resistance often requires accepting short-term costs to achieve longer-term protection against authoritarian consolidation.
The Headlines

China hikes tariffs on U.S. goods to 84%, as EU also hits back

Mexico's Energy Independence Strategy

What happened: Mexico is exploring increased fracking operations as a direct response to threats from the Trump regime, with President Claudia Sheinbaum, a former climate scientist, pivoting from her environmental background to pursue energy independence. This strategic shift represents a significant policy reversal for Sheinbaum, who is now prioritizing Mexico's economic security over environmental concerns in the face of unpredictable US trade policies. The Mexican government is specifically targeting shale development to reduce its dependence on energy imports from the United States.
Why it matters: Mexico's pursuit of energy independence demonstrates how nations can build resilience against authoritarian economic coercion by developing alternative resource strategies. By reducing dependence on US energy markets, Mexico is creating a buffer against the Trump regime's ability to use trade as a weapon of control and intimidation. This approach illustrates the importance of economic self-sufficiency as a form of resistance against authoritarian rule, showing how vulnerable nations can protect themselves from external pressure through strategic resource development. Mexico's willingness to make difficult policy trade-offs highlights how resistance to authoritarianism often requires balancing competing priorities to preserve national sovereignty and economic security.
The Headlines

Mexico looks to step up fracking in face of Trump threat

Resistance Tomorrow

Vulnerabilities & Exposures

Trump's tariff policies face unprecedented criticism from his own supporters and allies, revealing dangerous cracks in his coalition and highlighting how authoritarian leaders often struggle when their core base begins to question their decisions.

What happened: President Trump's recent tariff announcements triggered market turmoil, forcing him to partially retreat from his global trade war plans while maintaining a 125% tariff on China. The policy reversal came after bond markets showed signs of instability, with Trump himself admitting he saw people getting "a little yippy" about the markets. Most significantly, criticism has emerged from previously loyal supporters, with Elon Musk publicly knocking Trump's trade philosophy, Joe Rogan expressing alarm over deportation policies, and even Ann Coulter questioning Trump's immigration enforcement methods. Republican lawmakers have grown increasingly uneasy, with several signing onto legislation that would reclaim Congressional power over tariffs.
Why it matters: The growing criticism from within Trump's own base represents a critical vulnerability in his authoritarian consolidation strategy. Research on nonviolent resistance shows that when a regime can no longer maintain the loyalty of key pillars of support, its power becomes significantly compromised. Trump's expectation of unquestioning loyalty is being tested as even ardent supporters like Bill Ackman attempt to rationalize his decisions while maintaining the fiction of Trump's infallibility. This fracturing of support creates potential openings for resistance, as authoritarian leaders depend on a unified base to implement controversial policies. The administration's erratic economic decisions and willingness to bypass due process in both trade and immigration demonstrate how authoritarian regimes often prioritize quick, visible actions over sound policy, ultimately undermining their own stability.
The Headlines

Actions This Week

Actions This Week

Mass protests show growing resistance to authoritarianism, with numerous opportunities to join the movement and take action against the Trump regime's agenda.

What happened: The "Hands Off!" protests on April 5, 2025, saw massive turnouts globally, demonstrating unprecedented strength against the Trump/Musk alliance and sending a clear message to Republicans, Democrats, and citizens alike.
Why it matters: Mass protests are crucial for resisting authoritarianism by demonstrating opposition and challenging the regime's narrative. Widespread participation shows the breadth of opposition and creates solidarity networks for sustained resistance.

Indivisible: Upcoming Opportunities to Get Involved

The most recent Indivisible newsletter highlights several immediate ways to join the resistance movement following the successful "Hands Off!" protests:

Fight the Republicans' Medicaid-Slashing Tax Plan
- Congressional Recess Actions (April 12-27): Organize rallies to oppose the GOP reconciliation bill that cuts Medicaid and SNAP to fund billionaire tax cuts. Indivisible aims to organize hundreds of rallies during this period when Members of Congress will be in their home districts.
- Strategy Call with Crooked Media: Join Indivisible and Crooked Media on Thursday, April 11 at 8pm ET/5pm PT to learn messaging and tactics for fighting the Republican tax plan and protecting Medicaid.
Block Voter Disenfranchisement
- Call Your Representative: Take action against TODAY’s House vote on H.R. 22, the "Silencing Americans Act," which would require proof of citizenship documents that match voters' current legal names—potentially disenfranchising tens of millions of Americans, particularly married women, transgender and nonbinary people, and people of color.
Learn and Connect
- Post-Protest Strategy Session: Hear from Indivisible co-founders Leah and Ezra TODAY at 3pm ET/12pm PT about building on the momentum from the Hands Off! Protests.

More Information

Indivisible.org

Build The Resistance: Resource for Finding More Actions

Build The Resistance is a platform that connects citizens with local resistance activities, helping to sustain momentum and build community networks essential for long-term opposition to authoritarianism. Take a look to find your next opportunity for local action.

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