Dear John,
Donald Trump is openly defying constitutional limits, expanding executive power beyond its legal boundaries, and deliberately endangering the foundation of democracy.
We knew this was coming and now it’s here – in full force.
Despite reports that he had lifted the federal funding freeze, the White House has confirmed that while the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded its memo, the freeze itself remains firmly in place. This calculated move is designed to mislead the public while keeping the harmful policy intact.
Less than two weeks into his administration, Trump’s abuses of power are already escalating:
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Attacking birthright citizenship – He is unlawfully attempting to deny U.S. citizenship to children born in America to undocumented parents, in direct violation of the Constitution.
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Weaponizing ICE raids – Immigration raids have begun, and they’re targeting people of color, violating due process, and going after individuals regardless of their criminal history.
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Dismantling independent oversight – Trump has unlawfully removed inspectors general to eliminate accountability and punish investigations into his past misdeeds.
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Purging the Department of Justice – He has illegally fired career civil servants as retribution for prosecuting cases against him, paving the way for a full-scale purge of officials unwilling to help him weaponize the DOJ against his enemies.
The time to act is now. Trump is rapidly consolidating power, and without immediate intervention, his grip will only tighten.
Send a direct message to your governor and members of Congress to demand they stop these unconstitutional actions before it’s too late.
Trump has made his plans clear. He has nominated Russell Vought – the chief architect of Project 2025 – to lead the Office of Management and Budget. In this role, Vought will control federal funding, determining where resources flow and what programs are unlawfully starved of funds. His confirmation would pave the way for even more extreme, irreversible actions. That’s why we’re fighting it too, but we can’t rely on Senate Republicans to do the right thing.
The strategy is clear: defund essential programs, consolidate power, and punish political opponents, all while expanding executive authority to make future challenges nearly impossible. Each unchecked abuse emboldens Trump to push further, weakening legal and political safeguards.
If his overreach isn’t stopped now, it will only escalate. We must push to keep every possible option for fighting back on the table.
Congress and state governors must act immediately to counter these unconstitutional moves. Governors have the power to resist Trump’s unlawful orders through legal challenges, refusal to cooperate, and blocking federal overreach. They can deploy the National Guard and mobilize local law enforcement to protect communities from illegal immigration raids.
Congress must use every tool available – subpoenas, investigations, emergency legislation, and oversight powers – to stop Trump’s lawlessness before it becomes irrevocably entrenched. Even without bipartisan support, Democrats can hold hearings and expose these abuses, alerting the public to the full extent of the threat.
We have never faced a president who so brazenly attacks the core of our democratic system. Send a direct message to Congress and your governor, demanding immediate action to defend our constitutional democracy.
Our nation is in crisis. Take action now.
Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
