The question “what can I do?” in response to Trump’s efforts to establish his autocratic rule is frequently asked these days…except by the people we deem to have the power by virtue of their jobs to enact laws and guardrails to protect our democracy; those holding elected, financial, or professional positions and the leverage to use them to slow and stop Trump’s rush to dictatorship. These people include, in particular, elected officials from Trump’s Republican party at city, state, and federal levels, former Republican officials whose terms are now over, and millionaires and billionaires (who made lots of their money thanks to the liberal democracy Trump hates). Elected officials have multiple constitutional governing tools at their fingertips, which they can use to stop our accelerating slide. They appear, however, to have abandoned those tools. Republicans who previously served have instant credibility and a large political stage to speak from about Trump’s anti-democratic actions and policies, but their silence is frustratingly deafening. And it’s infuriating to watch the masters of the Tech universe, the business world, and too many in the rarefied air of higher education, bend, bow, and scrape, instead of using the wealth and power that they enjoy to defend our democracy.
A shining exception to these demonstrations of apparent cowardice in the face of Trump’s onslaught has come from the worlds of art and sports, just as they always have, historically, in the face of tyranny. While those well-connected, rich, and seemingly powerful individuals mentioned above cower in front of Trump, singers, poets, entertainers, late-night comics, actors, musicians, and athletes have been standing up. We heard and sang Springsteen’s ode to Minnesota, we saw Stephen Colbert lose his position on late-night TV because he pointed out a couple of truths about Trump, and we saw Jimmy Kimmel get tossed out of his job, until the public threatened the incomes of the rich and powerful. Musicians and poets across the country are expressing themselves beautifully, loudly, and clearly about the killings and “enhanced ICE operations in Minnesota.” Big and small names from the world of sports are using their wide-reaching platforms to speak out about Trump’s cruelty and the fear it inspires. And, Bad Bunny will, this coming weekend, fuse the worlds of the arts and sports and Hispanic culture at the Super Bowl, including commentary on the effects of Trump, his administration, and the terrors of their immigration raids, at one of the most widely viewed events of the 2025-2026 time frame. Perhaps these artists and athletes are better about standing up than are the people described earlier, because their professions call them to stand up alone to share their gifts and talents in full view of the public, and each time they take their stage, or microphone or field, they do so despite the risks of anger or rejection.
Most importantly, over the last year, we have seen a gradual rise of American citizens shouldering their responsibility for responding to their country in crisis. The small gatherings of local, grassroots public demonstrations have grown with the help of movements such as “No Kings” and 50501 and Indivisible, attracting people from across the country (and world) of all backgrounds, parties, and beliefs, their signs expressing a surprisingly broad spectrum of hopes and concerns, all brought together under the umbrella of saving our democracy.
Most recently, the violent ICE invasion of Minnesota has awakened still more citizens who perhaps needed more tangible evidence of democratic decline; they are seeing with their own eyes what living under autocratic rule, with its disdain for the truth, no respect for the rule of law, constitution, or democratic norms, really means. And one can’t “unsee” the violence that is particularly emblematic of the Trump autocracy.
And so, the question, “What Can I Do” persists. Because…it must. Now is the time.
In response, here are our top 5 suggestions:
1 Develop the habit of calling or writing to federal representatives, of both/all parties, daily with your concerns or support. This can be mind-numbing, but it is absolutely the best possible way of making those who work for you listen to you.
2. Build Community: Work with your neighbors and/or repurpose your social groups to support others in need in your community, or join larger existing groups to do so. Support those whose civil liberties are being threatened and infringed.
3. Engage in the political process at every level-local, state, and federal. At a bare minimum, VOTE. Also, demand that candidates in your towns, state and at the federal level demonstrate support for the democratic process and norms.. Engage with your time and/or money and speak out, write, or participate in non-violent action.
4. Stay informed. This is a tough one, but it is vital. Now is not the time to bury heads in the sand, as dreadful as the news is each day. To do so is to play directly into the hands of our autocrat wannabe.
5. Practice Self-Care. Whatever method you choose, do practice it daily, Exercise, meditation, prayer, yoga…whatever it is, practice it. Your country and your loved ones need you engaged for the long term. Be kind to yourself. And others.
For further details, “how to’s,” additional ideas, and “how to discern fake news,” see “What We Can Do, published” on Substack November 9, 2025
Margaret Henoch served in the Clandestine Service of the CIA for 25 years, at Headquarters and in the field, focusing on operations and counterintelligence and retiring as a Senior Intelligence Officer. She is a member of The Steady State.
Jennifer Gregg served in the Clandestine Service of the CIA for 30 years, in the field, focusing on operations, intelligence collection, and counterintelligence, and retiring as a Senior Intelligence Officer. She is a member of The Steady State.
Founded in 2016, The Steady State is a nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization of more than 360 former senior national security professionals. Our membership includes former officials from the CIA, FBI, Department of State, Department of Defense, and Department of Homeland Security. Drawing on deep expertise across national security disciplines, including intelligence, diplomacy, military affairs, and law, we advocate for constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the preservation of America’s national security institutions.
This is much-needed, wise advice. Everyone can do something. To surrender, silently, is to dishonor those who came before us —- often at great price.
Combined 55 years of experience in national security, these words are to be taken seriously. We must embrace one another, while taking time for self strength. Together we are stronger and our voices must be heard to save our democracy and rule of law.