100 Days In: Resistance in Action

100 Days In: Resistance in Action

“Cowardice can be contagious. But so too can courage….

Just as the hope that we hold onto in the darkness,

shines with its own...special light.”

—Democratic Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker

This week marked 100 chaotic days of the Trump Administration. It feels like a lifetime, but we’re just getting started—and the fight is on. Grassroots organizers, unions, civic groups, and political coalitions across the country are mobilized. The Democratic resistance is energized and active.

Democrats in Congress are pushing back hard—blocking dangerous bills, holding town halls in deep-red districts, and calling out GOP overreach. Leaders like Jamie Raskin, Chris Van Hollen, Angela Alsobrooks, April McClain Delaney, Bernie Sanders, AOC, Jasmine Crockett, and others are front and center, alongside state and local champions.

However, over the past several weeks, there’s been a clear shift—Democratic leaders are getting bolder and more creative in calling out the Trump Administration and the MAGA agenda, and people are embracing this new strategy.

Resistance in Action

Beginning March 31 and ending April 1, Sen. Cory Booker delivered a record-breaking 25-hour speech on the Senate floor warning of Trump’s damage to democracy in the face of institutional silence.

“I rise tonight because I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis. In just 71 days, the president of the United States has inflicted so much harm on Americans' safety, financial stability, the core foundations of our democracy and even our aspirations as a people," Booker said.

On April 16, Sen. Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador, spotlighting the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, despite a court order to keep him in the U.S., as a chilling example of the Trump Administration’s contempt for the rule of law. In a lengthy letter to the President Trump, Sen. Van Hollen argued that the implications of Mr. Abrego Garcia’s plight extend far beyond one individual.

“While Mr. Abrego Garcia is at the center of this case, its consequences impact the due process rights of everyone who lives in America. ...If your administration can strip away the constitutional rights of one man in defiance of court orders, it can do it to all of us,” Van Hollen wrote.

On April 27, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker delivered a powerful call to action firing up New Hampshire Democrats and asking them if they were “ready for the fight.” “I understand the tendency to give in to despair right now. But despair is an indulgence that we cannot afford in the times upon which history turns. Never before in my life have I called for mass protests, for mobilization, for disruption. But I am now."

“These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace. ...We must castigate them on the soap box, and then punish them at the ballot box...when we survive this shameful episode of American history...we will relegate their portraits to the museum halls reserved for tyrants and traitors.”

We are seeing a clear shift: Democrats are moving from seeking bipartisanship to confronting the MAGA agenda head-on. From activists to elected officials, the message is clear: WE MUST ACT. Sitting out is not an option. Our democracy, our values, and our future are at stake.

What Are We Doing at WDC?

At WDC, we’re committed to informing, organizing, and empowering action.

• On April 9, we held a lunch honoring former Senator Ben Cardin, former Congressman John Sarbanes, and former Congressman David Trone for their enduring service to Maryland. There was an exciting sense of community, renewed energy and hope generated by their remarks.
• On April 25, I had the distinct honor of moderating a conversation with renowned historian and scholar Heather Cox Richardson hosted by WDC at the National Press Club. We explored how our nation’s past shapes today’s political landscape. The recording is available on our YouTube channel (link below).
• On May 14, we urge you to come and hear from Caitlin Durkovich, Deputy Homeland Security Advisor in the Biden Administration. This “Happy Hour with a Purpose” at Citizens and Culture in Silver Spring will feature remarks and Q&A on how Homeland Security intersects with all the threats facing our democracy and our neighbors.
• On June 10, WDC will hold our biennial meeting and elections with special guest Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown who will discuss the many cases Maryland has filed or joined against the Administration, in addition to taking your questions. I can’t believe it has been almost two years since I took over as WDC president. It has been such an honor to serve in that role. Look for more details about this upcoming meeting in the next couple of weeks.

Finally, there are many ways to take meaningful action, stay engaged, and DO SOMETHING. Whether it’s joining local groups, amplifying messages, or showing up to events like town halls, demonstrations, zoom teach-ins, every action counts. Here are some examples of actions you can take this month.

Action Priorities for May

• Federal budget reconciliation negotiations started this week: Call your congress people to demand:
• No cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, or social security
• No tax breaks for billionaires
• 
  
• We are fortunate to be represented in Congress by terrific leaders, so please also call your friends and family in places dominated by Republicans and urge them to do the same. Their voices are especially important.
• Promote and participate in the May Day actions:
• RALLY: For the Workers, Not the Billionaires May Day Solidarity Rally, Thursday May 1, 5-8 p.m., Freedom Plaza. Learn more here.
• RALLY: The NIH community is holding weekly vigils to commemorate and mourn the losses resulting from cuts to funding, programs, and people that have been both discriminatory and indiscriminate. Beginning Saturday May 3 at 11 a.m. at the Medical Center Metro station at NIH in Bethesda.
• Law Day of Action at https://lawdayofaction.org
• Unions will be hosting events as well; look up your local union & join an action: https://guides.library.cornell.edu/c.php?g=31384&p=199727
• Block budget increase for ICE and mass deportation: The government is detaining and deporting people without due process. Even more outrageous is that some of them are U.S. citizens, including children.
• It just deported a 2-year-old, as well as a 4-year-old who was being treated for cancer—their cruelty is beyond belief!
• Use the Five Calls (app or website) to voice your indignation: https://5calls.org/issue/ice-mass-deportation-budget-reconciliation/
• Save Public Radio — NPR, PBS & local public news stations are at risk
• Local public news affiliate stations are often the only source of credible, free local news in many areas
• The Republicans are trying to limit our access to quality local news
• 
  

We have our work cut out for us.

Stay Strong. Stay Focused. Stay United.

Tazeen Ahmad

President