Overview: The article highlights the importance of resistance to the current dismantling of federal safeguards, social safety nets, and other unsettling changes imposed by the Trump administration. It provides examples of resistance at the federal, state, and local levels, including a federal judge upholding protections for immigrant children, CA Governor Gavin Newsom calling for a special election on November 4th to fight back against Trump’s efforts aimed at congressional election manipulation, and the Inland Empire Community Foundation hosting a summit to foster a sense of solidarity. It created safe space for meaningful conversations not only about shared purpose, but also regarding what it is going to take to bridge divides and create lasting change in the inland region.
S.E. Williams
As America spirals toward facism, every demonstration, every lawsuit against federal overreach, every political obstruction or policy backlash, every community that comes together in support of those in need, every measure of resistance whether at the federal, state or local level, matters more now than ever before.
Since Donald Trump was sworn in as President of the United States for the second time on January 20, 2025, some days it feels like our nation is in a vortex spinning its citizens toward imminent disaster.
I am not an expert on how a vortex works, but my basic understanding is that the top section of a vortex experiences less pressure compared to its bottom and this leads to a dynamic and often turbulent flow pattern. I’d say this serves as a workable analogy for the economic impacts being experienced in America today as those at the top of the economic ladder are certainly experiencing far less pressure than those in the working class, those of moderate means and those living on the margins of society.
There is a belief held by many of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) coalition that the current changes implemented by the Trump administration are dynamic and thus good. However, I would argue that the word dynamic has a down side which includes instability, a lack of consistency; and often creates disruption in systems that require a sense of stability including things like education, healthcare and the processes that undergird our justice system. In this regard, it is possible, or should I say very probable, that being too dynamic—as it relates to the disruption of systems—may lead to harmful outcomes.
For these and other reasons, resistance to the current dismantling of federal safeguards, social safety nets and the myriad of other unsettling changes being imposed on the nation by the Trump administration, is not only warranted, it is essential to the preservation of our democracy.
As we continue to bear witness to the ongoing chaos and dismantling of national and societal norms, it is important that we neither acquiesce nor grow weary in our opposition to his mandates. It is imperative to keep in mind that we do not fight alone. Resistance to Trump’s actions are occurring across the country, including here in California and the inland region. Beyond the expanding protests, this resistance is strong and growing stronger. Following are some recent examples at the federal, state and local levels.
Federal judge upholds protections for immigrant children
Last week, a federal judge denied the Trump administration’s quest to end a three-decades long policy designed to protect all immigrant children in federal custody.
This was the second time Trump has attempted to terminate the Flores Settlement Agreement. The initial attempt occurred in 2019 during his first term in office.
The Flores Settlement Agreement, a consent decree entered into by the federal government in 1997, “established immigration detention standards for unaccompanied alien children.” This included how long the children may be detained and to whom they may be released.
“Through our resistance and resilience, we can overcome any tyrant and build a world that celebrates the dignity and equality of all.”
Malala Yousafzai
The administration recently argued that substantial changes had been made in standards and policies related to the custody of immigrant children since the decree was formalized in 1997, creating standards and policies governing the custody of immigrant children that conform to legislation. The federal judge, however, saw it differently, noting that such improvements are obvious indications that the Flores Settlement Agreement is serving its purpose as intended. Adding, that to abandon the agreement based on the idea that “some progress has been made is nonsensical.”
CA Governor Gavin Newsom calls for special election on Nov. 4
Fighting back against Trump’s efforts aimed at congressional election manipulation in 2026, CA Governor Gavin Newsom announced last week that California will hold a special election on November 4th, seeking voter approval of a mid-decade redistricting plan.
The ballot initiative, California’s Election Rigging Response Act, is California’s resistance and response to Trump’s pressure on Texas Republicans to redraw redistricting maps in their state to squeeze out five new Republican Congressional seats in the state in the hopes of giving his party an advantage in the 2026 election. In the process their plan would reduce the number of Congressional seats in Black majority led districts by “packing” Blacks into fewer districts and/or “cracking” Black majority led districts and spreading the Black population across several districts thereby diluting the power of their vote.
In an August 14 press release regarding his call for the Nov 4 special election Newsom declared, “California will not sit idle as Trump and his Republican lapdogs shred our country’s democracy before our very eyes.” He added, “In just six months, Trump’s unchecked power has cost Americans billions and taken an ax to the greatest democracy we’ve ever known. This moment calls for urgency and action – that is what we are putting before voters this November, a chance to fight back against his anti-American ways.”
For those who may be concerned that Newsom’s proposal would jeopardize the intent of the independent California Citizens Redistricting Commission authorized by voters in 2008–there is no need to worry. The measure retains California’s Citizens Redistricting Commission; declares state policy supporting the use of fair, nonpartisan redistricting commissions nationwide; and temporarily adopts new California congressional districts for use in congressional elections through 2030; and at the same time preserves California’s current congressional maps if Texas or other states also keep their original maps.
Inland community coalesces at the Inland Empire Community Foundation’s Policy 2025 Summit
According to experts, a cornerstone of fascist leaders is to constantly stoke a mentality of “us versus them.” They facilitate this through a constant barrage of mis- and disinformation and exploiting the various differences in society, while simultaneiously fueling a sense of separation and animosity between groups.
Among the many successful ways to combat against such exploitation is by fostering a sense of solidarity, in addition to defending and supporting vulnerable communities are viewed as vital forms of resistance.
On August 6 and 7, the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) hosted the 2025 Policy & Philanthropy Summit titled Common Ground for the Common Good. The two day event brought together community leaders, policymakers, nonprofits, and philanthropists from across the inland region.
Through panel discussions, workshops and informal networking, those in attendance focused on common goals for this region despite economic uncertainty and political trade winds battering the nation.
The summit created safe space for meaningful conversations not only about shared purpose, but also regarding what it is going to take to bridge divides and create lasting change in the inland region.
These are just a few examples of the various types of resistance to the antics of the Trump administration occurring at all levels every day across the country.
I see continued resistance to the haphazard, zenophobic, nationalistic and fascist-styled leadership of the Trump administration as the only meaningful way forward.
When it comes to the importance of resisting tyrants I am inspired by the words of the prominent Russian opposition leader, lawyer, and anti-corruption activist, Alexei Navalny who said, “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.”
Of course, this is just my opinion. I’m keeping it real.