The Trump administration has unleashed cruelty and chaos, plunging the United States into an era of rampant authoritarian practices.
We have witnessed their efforts to intimidate, silence, and punish protesters and critics, restrict the press and reshape access to information, and systematically erode the rule of law—all are creating a human rights emergency.
We have seen where this road leads when dissent is punished, oversight is dismantled, and people can be disappeared or expelled beyond the reach of the law. But we also know something else: the slide is not inevitable. There is still time to stop it.
We recognize this is a tough time, and you might feel overwhelmed. That’s why we created a guide of small, yet practical and powerful, ways you can fight back and keep hope alive.
Do one thing a day (or a week). Small actions add up!
Learn about authoritarian practices and human rights
The United States of America, under the leadership of President Trump, is showing a recognizable pattern of authoritarian practices and erosion of human rights that Amnesty International has documented for decades across the world. Learn about these practices and how to stop them—and share your knowledge with others.
- Read and share our report, “Ringing the Alarm Bells: Rising Authoritarian Practices and Erosion of Human Rights in the United States.”
- Read “What are Authoritarian Practices?”
- Read and share “Human Rights 101: What are Human Rights?” as well as this toolkit!
- Talk to friends, coworkers and family and see how they think and feel. Build community and understanding.
DEFEND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
Independent journalism and freedom of the press are critical human rights safeguards: they help expose abuses, enable accountability, and equip the public to make informed decisions and to challenge abuse and corruption.
- Support local and independent media.
- Tell authorities to withdraw all charges against members of the press.
- Check out more ways to get involved and defend free expression.
PROTEST—AND PROTECT THE RIGHT TO PEACEFULLY PROTEST
Across the country, individuals and organizations speaking out against the Trump administration’s abuses are under attack. Peaceful protesters are met with threats, detention, and deportation.
- Tell Congress to pass the Protecting Our Protesters Act.
- Read “Human Rights 101: Your Right to Protest.”
- Check out the Human Rights Campaign’s “Tips for Preparedness, Peaceful Protesting, and Safety.”
- Read ACLU’s Protestors’ Rights.
SUPPORT IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES
From the start, the Trump administration aggressively advanced an anti-migrant, anti-refugee agenda, implementing racist and xenophobic executive orders that dehumanized and criminalized migrants and people seeking safety. And we have joined communities across the country to push back. How can you join our efforts?
- Check on your neighbors and friends.
- Share our “Know Your Rights: How to Stay Safe Around ICE” resource.
- Learn more on how to stop the mass deportation and detention machine.
DEFEND THE RULE OF LAW AND DUE PROCESS
No one is beyond scrutiny or above the law, yet the Trump administration has repeatedly flouted the law by refusing to comply with court orders, gutting government agencies, bypassing congressional oversight, and denying due process to migrants.
- Tell Congress that no one is above the law.
- Urge Congress to stop U.S. murder on the high seas.
BUILD SOLIDARITY AND COMMUNITY
- Connect with mutual aid groups to see how you can help.
- Get involved locally with your neighbors and community members.
- Join or start an Amnesty International USA local or student group! We are stronger together!
DON’T FORGET TO CREATE AND FIND JOY
These are hard, cruel and scary times. And that is exactly the climate of fear they want to create in order for us to stay still and not push back.
- Take a moment to rest, relax, recharge—however you cultivate happiness for yourself and your community.
- Find joy in meeting and talking to others who are similarly concerned and want to make a difference.