Trump is going to address Congress in a few hours. The theme of his speech, according to the White House, is the “renewal of the American dream.”
But we know the truth: For most Americans, the past six weeks have been a nightmare.
One thing you can do tonight, instead of watching Trump lie and defend his illegal power grabs, slashes of essential services, and looting of our country, is join your neighbors in cities across the country for a Light for Our Democracy gathering.
These local gatherings are taking place at state capitols, town halls, and public spaces across the country to bring people together in reflection, solidarity, and action for the future of our democracy.
Another critical form of resistance is rejecting Trump’s lies and knowing that our safety is in solidarity.
For example, tonight Trump will probably talk about immigration: He wants us to believe that enacting his racist plans will make us safer — and he’s expected to ask Congress for more money to enact his cruelty.1
We know that safety for all of us requires organizing with and across communities to stop deportations and defend sanctuary cities and institutions.
Trump may also talk about antisemitism: This morning, he declared that all federal funding will stop for any school that allows so-called “illegal protests.”2
As Jews, we will not let Trump use accusations of antisemitism and criticism of Israel as a justification to take away our freedoms, to attack Muslim and Arab activists, or to go after educational institutions
At Bend the Arc, we’re taking what we know and building power right now by being in community.
Last week, we organized a gathering of Jews, immigrants, and queer and trans people — people targeted under the MAGA agenda — to understand this moment, reaffirm our solidarity, and make commitments to action. Attendees reported feeling inspired and hopeful, and left with clear ways to build community.
Grateful to be in this movement with you,
The Bend the Arc team
Sources:
1. Trump will stand before Congress and offer divided nation an accounting of his turbulent first weeks, AP News
2. Trump threatens federal funds for schools that allow “illegal protests”, Axios
