I wrote this sign because none of what Trump is doing is normal. The dismantling of agencies, firing teachers, veterans, and military, hacking our data, and cozying up to foreign adversaries is only making our country weaker, less safe, and more expensive. What he is doing is illegal and I refuse to normalize the reckless and illegal dismantling of vital federal programs, the firing of thousands of Americans, and the undermining of our national and global security. This was my SOS to the world.  

50 years ago, Members of Congress held a walkout of the 1975 State of the Union in protest of the corruption of the Nixon Administration and the Watergate Scandal. Earlier this week, some of my colleagues and I walked out in protest of the unprecedented attack on our democratic institutions and in solidarity with the millions of Americans who will be impacted by Trump, Elon Musk, and the GOP-led Congress. 

Acts of righteous resistance and civil disobedience have helped propel this great country forward — and helped to bend the arc of history toward justice. We proudly stand on the shoulders of giants like the late Congressman John R. Lewis, who wasn’t afraid to create some “good trouble” to advance justice in this country, whether in the House Chamber or on the streets.  

America, we must be courageous. We need all of your voices to stand up to this corrupt administration. I spoke more on the House Floor about this, but I also want to tell you here. Here’s what you can do: 

• Raise your voice: Contact your elected officials! Call your Members of Congress and tell them you oppose Trump’s actions. Call your local and state officials and tell them they need to step in and intervene against these federal orders. State and local orders can combat federal laws, for now. And, keep putting pressure on the administration! Trump and his allies have already walked back harmful proposals. The public pressure is working! 

• Collective action: Find your community and do the work there! In times like this, it’s so important to find community and build relationships with people who you know have your back. Find people you trust, and keep talking about these harmful orders! The more people that know how the administration will harm them, the better. It’s up to everyone to educate their communities.

• Everyday acts of resistance: Find ways to resist in your life! Are you an educator? Keep teaching the things they want to ban. Speak up when you hear bigotry or misinformation. Reach out to your immigrant or trans friends and tell them you have their back.