“And so we sing a song about hope 

Though I can't guarantee there's something real behind it 

I have to try to show our children I can find it 

And so today— 

When life is crazy and impossible to bear— 

It must be there 

Fear never wins 

That's what I hope.” 

These lyrics written by Jason Robert Brown reflect how I’m feeling 100 days into the second Trump administration.   

We are existing in an upside-down America that many of us never imagined possible. We live in a country where the most fundamental tenets of our governing document, the Constitution, are under daily attack from a man who swore to uphold and defend the principles enshrined in it. 

Months into the Trump administration, its governing strategy is clear. It is to re-shape our societal institutions in ways that support a radical new vision of America and illegally empower a president who imagines himself the center of all authority. Governing norms, institutions, policies, our history, and even individuals are being targeted and disappeared. In short, as the Trump team works to create an authoritarian version of our nation, we are witnessing the attempted disappearing of American democracy itself. 

These are not normal times. We must understand that we are witnessing a power grab unlike anything we have experienced in American history. We have a president who is openly defying the rulings of the judiciary including the Supreme Court. He is even trying to intimidate judges by having them arrested. We have an administration that is blatantly usurping the authorities granted to Congress by the Constitution.  

Beyond destroying the fundamental balance of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, Trump and his regime are illegally using its powers to attack and threaten anyone they believe to be its enemies. From blackmailing universities, coercing law firms, taking over cultural institutions, targeting individual American citizens without due process, erasing the history of women and minorities from our national story, and much more, they are destroying the fabric of what generations of Americans have built.   

We are living in dangerous times. But I believe it is in such moments, when it is the darkest, that our voices must be heard. Together, the America we cherish cannot be disappeared if we refuse to be invisible. The good news is Donald Trump is only as strong as we let him be. 

It is with a sense of hope, determination, and action that we can and must stand up to defend what is ours – our nation. So, what can we do? 

First, focus on action, not despair. Organize, protest, vote, make sure elected officials hear your opinions, and use your dollars strategically. For example, support the press especially your local media, boycott those businesses who collaborate with Trump’s agenda, and become members of organizations like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood who are on the frontlines of the battle against autocracy. While always remaining non-violent, use your creativity to resist in ways that 

are meaningful for you. 

Second, don’t remain silent. We each have a voice. It can be uncomfortable, but it is important that Trump, his supporters, and Congress hear loudly and clearly that the majority of Americans are opposed to his anti-democratic policies and his power grab.  

Of course, not everyone is in a position to openly resist what is happening. For those of us who have advantages in our society, it is especially important for us to speak out and stand with those under attack. For here is a fundamental truth: if America is not for all Americans, it won’t be for any of us. Speak out against hate in whatever toxic form it manifests itself.  

Third, call out lies. It is no secret that Trump will flagrantly lie and gaslight if it serves his agenda. Whether it be elected officials, friends on social media, or our own family members who are, knowingly or unknowingly, spreading lies or engaging in the rhetoric of hate, we must counter their words and actions. If we don’t, who will?  

Fourth, we have to know the facts. Read, watch, and listen to multiple sources for information. It is unlikely that many of the president’s true believers will accept the facts over his lies, but we cannot let the public space be filled only with one side. Remember, Trump was elected by less than 50% of the voters. One-hundred days into this nightmare, we are in the majority.  You will not be alone. 

Fifth, be good to yourself. Take breaks from all of this chaos to rest and recharge. On this point, we can learn something from the president. Trump has spent 25% of his second term golfing. Unlike him, we won’t cost taxpayers millions of dollars when we recreate.  Come back rested and ready to engage. 

Most of all, don’t lose hope. Our future depends on those who value the American experiment to stand strong together.

John H. Taylor is a faculty member at Adams State University. These views are his own and do not reflect those of the university.