The initial days of President Donald Trump’s second term are occurring just as promised by those who, prior to the election, tried to warn the electorate that they should believe what they had already seen and heard from Trump’s previous presidency and his 2024 campaign.
In rapid-fire fashion, the president is implementing drastic changes and chaos through a series of executive orders and allowing a non-elected billionaire to proceed unchecked with firing thousands of federal employees seemingly without any accountability. And now as high tariffs on imported goods take effect, Americans can look forward to higher prices on just about everything from food to cars.
Many Americans – including a growing number of Republicans and Trump voters who are seeing actual consequences of his actions — are left grappling with how to respond effectively, and they are wondering if there is anything they can and should do to make their concerns known.
First, you must stay informed and engaged. By that I mean you should consult reputable news sources to understand the latest developments. Social media posts are not reliable sources. Neither are many online point-of-view or advocacy “news” sites.
We all can have our personal opinions about what makes a reliable news source; however, reputable national newspapers like the Wall Street Journal and New York Times are credible news organizations. The Associated Press and Reuters are reputable news services. Television network news stations provide the relevant highlights of daily political activities and don’t have the abundant biased “opinion” shows that CNN or Fox News have. And your community newspapers will be reporting on how your neighbors and members of your community are being impacted.
Second, you can engage in constructive dialogue with others. I know it’s hard to not get emotional over some political issues that are hitting close to home. However, it is important to understand others’ viewpoints and try to respond to them with mutual respect.
Another way to engage is to get to know who your congressional representatives are and learn how to communicate with them. If they hold a town hall meeting in your area, show up. If they don’t, find their email addresses, phone numbers and physical office addresses and contact their offices. Each of these legislators has staff who will gather all this information and report to the representative or senator.
Congress holds the “power of the purse,” and they can enact legislation to limit or direct presidential actions. Make sure they know you are watching and holding them accountable to perform the oversight they are required to do.
We all must acknowledge the importance of truth telling. Even Trump supporters know when he is lying; however, some just choose to accept it. Those willing to take a stand must continue to tell the truth and encourage others to seek and tell the truth. I have no problem calling out social media posts that pass along misinformation and falsehoods. I try to do it respectfully; however, some folks don’t like being called out and may not react nicely. Just be ready for that.
Third, we must uphold and promote democratic principles. No matter what political party we are affiliated, we all benefit from protecting our democratic institutions and rule of law. Find advocacy groups or initiatives that align with your own values and work with them through the democratic process to enact policy changes.
And finally, protect your own soul by trying to keep this moment in context. We hear words like “constitutional crisis,” and it scares us. Yes, there will be consequences to some of Trump’s most irrational actions. However, our country has survived many horrific moments and even unstable presidencies.
As one author in The Atlantic wrote, “We should acknowledge when Trump does the right thing, or when he rises above his past. And, even if he doesn’t, unsparing and warranted condemnation of Trump and MAGA world shouldn’t descend into hate. There’s quite enough of that already.”
History shows the nation can endure, but citizens must actively participate to shape its future.
Cindy Allen 