How to Stand Up to Trump’s Fascism

A Leftist Guide to Effective Resistance

We are living in an era where the rise of authoritarianism and fascism is no longer a distant possibility but an everyday reality. The re-emergence of Trump and his rhetoric serves as a warning: if we don’t organize and mobilize effectively, the very pillars of democracy may crumble. As a leftist, it’s not enough to rely on liberal approaches of waiting for elections or focusing on individual self-care. Instead, we need robust, collective action grounded in socialist principles to build true resistance.

1. Build Local Communities Rooted in Solidarity

One of the greatest tools against fascism is a strong, united community. Fascists thrive on division, fear, and isolation, so our first line of defense is to foster interconnected and supportive local communities. Start by creating spaces where neighbors, activists, and workers can come together to discuss issues, share resources, and mobilize. Solidarity is our strength; a connected community is resilient against the divide-and-conquer tactics often used by authoritarian leaders.

Action Steps: Organize regular community meetings and mutual aid initiatives. These could range from neighborhood gatherings to online forums where people can discuss both local and national concerns.
Resources to Mobilize: Establish a community fund or resource-sharing group for those affected by policies that exacerbate inequality, providing direct aid to counteract economic and social challenges.

2. Educate and Challenge Fascist Narratives

Fascism is often fueled by misinformation, which is used to sow fear and distrust among the masses. Combatting this requires a dedicated effort to educate ourselves and others on the historical and contemporary impacts of authoritarianism. This means recognizing fascist patterns and understanding how leaders like Trump manipulate anger and economic anxiety to push their agendas.

Action Steps: Organize public talks, reading groups, and discussion circles centered around the history of fascism, socialism, and resistance movements. Host webinars, create online content, and distribute educational material on how fascism infiltrates societies.
Challenging Misinformation: When misinformation spreads online or in public forums, counter it with facts and reason. Fact-checking and countering with reputable sources helps debunk harmful narratives.

3. Foster Workplace Organizing

Workers’ rights and democracy are intrinsically linked, and fascist movements often weaken labor power. One of the most effective ways to resist is by strengthening workers’ rights through unionizing and collective bargaining. Fascists attack unions because they know that organized workers are empowered workers.

Action Steps:Support union efforts, even if you’re not in one yourself. Attend union rallies, advocate for better labor policies, and encourage fellow workers to join or form unions. Collaborate with local labor organizations to support striking or struggling unions.
Advocating for Workplace Democracy: Promote the idea that workers should have a say in how workplaces operate, not just corporate executives or wealthy shareholders. This challenges the hierarchy and builds a culture of shared power.

4. Participate in Direct Actions and Protests

Direct action is a powerful tool to make our voices heard and disrupt the status quo. While voting and legislative changes are part of the process, they alone cannot dismantle fascist power structures. Protests, strikes, and other forms of civil disobedience put pressure on those in power and demonstrate the strength of collective opposition.

Action Steps:Join local protests or, better yet, help organize them. Collaborate with groups already engaging in peaceful civil disobedience to make a larger impact. Understand your rights and prepare for actions in safe, organized ways.
Tactics for Effectiveness:Engage in protests that are non-violent but disruptive enough to capture attention. These actions remind both the public and the government that we’re watching and won’t tolerate authoritarian overreach.

5. Support and Strengthen Alternative Media

Mainstream media often fails to adequately challenge authoritarian narratives, and leftist voices can be marginalized or ignored. Support independent, alternative media sources that challenge fascist narratives and amplify leftist ideas. Action Steps:Share, support, and subscribe to independent media outlets and journalists. Platforms like Democracy Now!, Jacobin, and local alternative news sources provide critical perspectives that the mainstream often misses or suppresses.
Amplify Leftist Voices: Create your own blog, podcast, or social media platform to discuss leftist views and counter misinformation. Engage in dialogue and debates, and help provide a balance to the mainstream, often corporate-backed, narratives.

6. Form Alliances Across Movements

A united front across various leftist and progressive movements is crucial. Fascism thrives when its opponents are divided, so connecting with other social movements — whether they’re focused on racial justice, environmental activism, LGBTQ+ rights, or economic equality — creates a powerful coalition. Action Steps:Reach out to local chapters of movements like Black Lives Matter, Climate Justice groups, and LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. Attend events, support their causes, and find ways to incorporate intersectionality into your own activism.
Building Bridges: Recognize that fascist policies impact different groups in various ways. Build empathy and understanding, emphasizing that everyone’s liberation is interconnected.

7. Engage Politically Beyond Elections

While elections are essential, they’re not the only way to create change. Continuous political engagement — especially at the local level — keeps authoritarianism in check. This involves not just voting but actively participating in local government meetings, town halls, and accountability processes for elected officials. Action Steps:Attend town halls and council meetings to voice your concerns, advocate for policies that protect civil liberties, and demand accountability. Engage in local campaigns to elect representatives who support leftist values and anti-authoritarian principles.
Hold Leaders Accountable: Voting is only the beginning; monitor the actions of those you support and organize to hold them accountable if they drift from progressive values.

Collective Resistance Over Individualism

While some may advocate for individual coping mechanisms or consider leaving the country, a true response to authoritarianism requires us to confront it directly and collectively. Through community solidarity, workplace organizing, alternative media, and direct action, we can stand against the forces that seek to strip away our freedoms and erode democracy.

Our aim as leftists isn’t just to resist Trump but to dismantle the very systems that empower fascist ideologies. Together, we can build a society rooted in equality, justice, and true democracy.