One of the tenants of nonviolent direct action is the theory of mass noncooperation – that by withholding our labor (like a strike), our money (boycotts and divestment), and our political consent (disrupting hearings or government agencies) we can force change from authoritarian or fascist regimes. A key sign that non violent resistance movements are working is when those acts of noncooperation extend to people who work for the regime.

In the case of Donald Trump’s fossil fueled fascist takeover of the United States of America, the good news is we've begun to see some early signs of mass noncooperation and refusal to comply with unjust or illegal orders from federal workers. But for us to successfully topple the Trump regime and reclaim our country, climate, and communities we need a lot more. So sign here to support federal workers defying unlawful orders from Trump’s fossil fueled fascist regime!

A photo of AFGE union federal workers at a rally holding signs and rising fists as they cheer

Recent reports have found federal workers who serve in scientific and research roles, immigration, environmental protection, and other critical sectors are already being asked and ordered to take actions that contradict the core principles of public service. These workers, many of whom have sworn an oath to protect the Constitution, are increasingly finding themselves caught between following orders from Elon Musk or the Trump regime, and their duty to the law and the public interest.

Resistance started with simple refusals to reply to or comply with arbitrary messages like Elon Musks "fork in the road" email. It has expanded to many prosecutors and Department of Justice employees choosing to quit rather than drop charges and investigations against Trump's friends and allies, or to prosecute and investigate those who are innocent. Small and large acts of noncooperation are popping up all over federal agencies from the EPA and Parks Department, to the Department of Justice, the FBI, and more.

Their refusal to comply with potentially unlawful orders represents a vital moment in the broader struggle for accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law. History has shown that moments of noncooperation in the face of tyranny or injustice can be pivotal in holding those in power to account. This is no different. The resistance of these public servants is a testament to the power of principled action against potential authoritarianism.

We all rely on federal workers whether we know it or not. The forecast the weather, process social security checks, and clean up after climate disasters. Those who are bravely standing up to Trump, Musk, and DOGE by refusing to cooperate with unjust and illegal orders deserve our support.

Sign our petition with partners to support these federal workers and to call on Congress and all public institutions to reaffirm and to protect their rights to refuse unlawful orders without fear of retaliation.

Thanks,

Drew and the 198 methods to withhold your cooperation crew

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