It's Even Worse Than You Think

Pulling back the curtain on the dark motivations behind the Trump regime's chaos, and what you can do to stop it

On Saturday, April 19th, we along with nearly 4 million people took to the streets to protest. 

We protested the Trump regime’s ripping apart of our constitution’s checks and balances; Musk’s theft of our data and dismantling of our government; the illegal firings of federal workers in mass; the stripping of our freedoms of speech and press; the unconstitutional and immoral disappearances of immigrants; the trafficking of individuals to overseas labor camps, and the horrific propaganda that accompanied it; the intentional attack on our economy; the rewriting of our nation’s history; the support of and alignment to dictators; the threatening to invade our closest allies; the mockery of the fight for freedom and justice in Ukraine and Palestine; the destruction of our National Parks and privatization of federal lands; the planned elimination of our Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare; the war against our legal system and judges; the overt billionaire greed and corruption; the failures of both political parties to resist oligarchy and authoritarianism; and so much more.

We each joined for different reasons, but we all shared a common belief: we’re sick and tired of this shit, and it’s time we do something about it.

But today, the markets are still falling, people are still being detained without due process, and the ultra wealthy are still ripping apart our democracy. Corruption has taken hold of the levers of power in America and it has no intention of slowing down. On the surface, some of their moves appear completely nonsensical. How does crashing the economy help Trump, Musk, and his billionaire backers if they lose wealth and turn the American people against them? Why would you steal government data and illegally fire federal workers if you will eventually lose in the courts? Many of us continue to wonder why so few people in power are speaking up, who—besides Trump and Musk—is behind the madness we’re witnessing, and what the Trump regime and its backers stand to gain from it. Most importantly, many of us want to know how to stop them.

Well, we did our research. If you are looking to make sense of the chaos, better grasp what’s at stake, and find out what you can do to take action, we’ve got it all laid out in excruciating detail for you below. And if you’re just looking to skip all the information and get straight to action, scroll down to “How You Can Help” or visit fiftyfifty.one.

Welcome to the truth, welcome to the resistance, welcome to 50501: the people’s movement.

Explaining the “Chaos"

The Trump administration, Elon Musk, and their enablers are engaged in a hostile takeover of the U.S. government. This appears to be a coordinated dismantling of the government and rule of law that aims to install authoritarian regime(s), backed by large corporations and underpinned by technocratic systems. There are multiple parties at play, each of which seems to have aligned interests of increasing their own power and wealth, and ultimately their control over society.

Parties & Motives

The key parties with aligned interests are Big Tech, the Republican Party, and Russia. Note, this is by no means an exhaustive list of illiberal actors globally (e.g., Benjamin Netanyahu among others also has aligned interests) nor does it imply the Democratic Party is blameless (i.e., many Democrats are beholden to corporate interests), but the three we focus on here appear to be the large actors currently working to dismantle the U.S. government and democracy.

Big Tech

• Within Silicon Valley, there is a growing ideology known as the neoreactionary movement (i.e., “Dark Enlightenment”) which aims to dismantle democracy and replace it with authoritarian societies run by tech elites ("autocratic technocracies”) enabled by AI, cryptocurrencies, and advanced robotics. 

• Curtis Yarvin, considered the intellectual leader of the neoreactionary movement (interviewed here by the New York Times), has influenced incredibly powerful and wealthy individuals, such as Peter Thiel, JD Vance, Marc Andreessen, and Elon Musk amongst others. 

• This is a fascist ideology that believes freedom and democracy are incompatible, the demise of democracy is inevitable and should be accelerated, and nation-states will be replaced by “network states”.

• The individuals that follow this ideology believe people are not smart enough to govern themselves, and that, as the self-described superior elite, they are destined to create this libertarian future made up of a constellation of authoritarian tech cities led by businessmen monarchs. 

• Many in Silicon Valley also subscribe to a quasi-religion that views AI as a god, capable of replacing all our work and solving all humanity’s problems, despite evidence to the contrary.

Republican Party

• Backed by the Heritage Foundation, the Republican Party has shown authoritarian tendencies, espoused white-supremacist views, and supported Christian-nationalist goals. Many of these theocratic white-supremacists are now leading key areas of the federal government (e.g., Russell Vought, Stephen Miller, Karoline Leavitt).

• Republicans have control of all branches of government and are aligned in intention and ideology with Big Tech’s neoreactionary movement, enabling a Musk led coalition to swiftly move the government towards neoreactionary authoritarianism. 

• Neoreactionary planning also aligns with the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 (e.g., Yarvin’s RAGE “Retire All Government Employees” and Vought’s mass firings), and despite Trump constantly telling the public he was not associated with Project 2025, it is clear he and his allies are following the plan (they’re nearly 50% complete).

• Trump also supports the creation of “Freedom Cities” on federal lands, an idea that resembles “network states” and is being promoted by neoreactionaries in Silicon Valley. In fact, Trump’s threat and desire to take over Greenland mirrors the desire of “network state” founder Dryden Brown. 

• With immunity provided to the President by the Roberts court in Trump v. United States, Trump and his enablers believe that his power is absolute, and that he can suffer no consequences, which is why he’s openly defying court orders.

Russia

• Russia is a totalitarian regime led by Vladimir Putin, a dictator who has invaded sovereign nations, committed war crimes, crushed dissent, limited freedoms, controlled elections, spread propaganda, coerced labor, and more. 

• Putin’s goals extend far beyond invading and annexing Ukraine, with desires to restore Russia to a former Soviet Union style empire. He aims to create “a wedge between Europe and the US” and ultimately break the pro-democracy Western alliance of the U.S., European Union, and NATO, a process seemingly already underway as Trump turns on Ukraine and America’s allies. 

• This is a global issue, with Russia disrupting democracies across Europe, interfering in elections and inflating support for the far right of Germany and tightening its grip over Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova. 

• Not only does Trump admire Putin and refuse to call him a dictator, but his first administration also had numerous notable connections with Russia. Now those connections seem worse, with the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and the Director of FBI Kash Patel having ties to Putin. Trump’s turn towards Putin and authoritarianism shakes up the world order and supports Putin’s goals.

Immediate Concerns

Today, we must acknowledge, speak up for, and support individuals and communities who are most at risk; understand how our media environment is distorted by information suppression, dis/misinformation, and an inundation of AI-generated content; and make financial preparations in anticipation of a recession.

People are at risk

Right now, there is real danger for immigrants, Latinx and LGBTQ+ (especially transgender) communities. The administration has used all of these communities as scapegoats and is actively breaking the law to hurt them, but Trump and Vance do not believe they will suffer consequences for this. These risks will extend to other communities soon, empowered by propaganda that labels all other groups as “unhumans”. The Trump administration has ramped up its attacks on Federal workers, lawyers, and academics recently. Eventually, anyone who speaks out against the regime could be targeted — this includes protesters, too. Mahmoud Khalil and other Palestinian activists have already had their immigration statuses challenged and have been disappeared by ICE, often cowardly hiding in plain clothes.

Legacy and social media are compromised

Fox News, the most viewed news network in America, functions as a propaganda arm for the Trump administration. Presumably fearing investigations or lawsuits, legacy media is also failing to sufficiently challenge the administration, declining to call Trump a dictator and appearing hesitant to cover nationwide protests, except for a few sources such as MSNBC. Instagram, Facebook, Reddit, and X are suppressing information, making it more difficult for the public to be aware of what’s happening and to share information with one another. To make matters worse, AI-generated content is also clogging social media, likely drowning out dissent.

The economy is crashing

The Trump administration's unpredictability, tariff trade wars, and firing of Federal workers have led to a precipitous decline in the U.S. stock market. Amidst these factors and persistent inflation, consumer sentiment continues to sink. The threats of continued Federal worker job loss and the destruction of Federal agencies could cause unforeseen collateral damage across the U.S. Add to this the dismantling of key social programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, and the economic insecurities of everyday people will worsen. Meanwhile, some billionaires in Silicon Valley have had a long-term plan to undermine the USD in favor of cryptocurrency, and are set to financially benefit in the event of a crash.

The People’s Response

Although these parties hold immense power and wealth, the transition into authoritarianism and oligarchy is not inevitable. These wannabe dictators are only as powerful as the fear we allow them to instill in us—and the people are not allowing it. Since early February, nascent decentralized protest and boycott movements have grown exponentially. Additionally, people are turning away from large corporations and towards small businesses and local organizations. Democratic politicians are touring the country, filling the void and addressing the anger caused by the unresponsive Republican party, and rallying the people to fight (nonviolently) against authoritarianism and oligarchy. Public dissent is mounting within corporations and non-profit organizations. The people, across political lines, are furious and taking action to protect our neighbors, uphold our Constitution, and defend our democracy.

What’s Happening

Decentralized protests are growing

• 50501: ​​We’re a grassroots, leaderless movement called 50501 (i.e., 50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement) that kicked off in early February and has grown exponentially since, connecting individuals who are standing against the erosion of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism in the U.S.

• Tesla Takedown: Another quickly growing grassroots, leaderless movement called Tesla Takedown started in early February and aims to disrupt Tesla and Elon Musk’s power through showroom protests, stock sales, and boycotts.

• Build The Resistance: The Build The Resistance website was created to act as a window into the growing resistance movement that’s working to defend our democracy. It contains a repository of public opposition, actions, and resources.

• General Strike: The General Strike, which has gained popularity recently, is another decentralized network of people and organizations committed to striking once it receives signatures from 3.5% of the U.S. population (11 million people).

People are activating locally

• Local Organizing: More people are joining local organizations (e.g., Indivisible, Rise & Resist) to get involved in protesting the administration. Growth has been exponential since January, infusing fresh ideas and new energy into the movement.

• Buying Local: Individuals are moving towards buying from small businesses and directly from online retailers, rather than from tech platforms (e.g., Amazon).

• Running for Office: Across the country, everyday people who have never held elected office before have begun taking matters into their own hands. Organizations like Run for Something can equip you with the tools, knowledge, and resources you need. 

Politicians are mobilizing

• Bernie & AOC’s “Fight Oligarchy” tour: Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are drawing record numbers of people out to their rallies in a non-election year.

• Town Halls: Across the U.S., Republicans are facing intense backlash from constituents and cancelling town halls, and Democrats are filling that void with “People’s Town Halls”.

• Vocal Democrats: Some Democrats are standing out and amassing large followings for their critiques of Trump/Musk, including Jasmine Crockett, Tim Walz, and Chris Murphy.

Workers and organizations are dissenting

• Big Law Associates: Rachel Cohen, an associate at Skadden, organized an open letter that called on Big Law to reject Trump and ultimately resigned, condemning her firm for not speaking out.

• Civil Rights Organizations: twenty-two civil rights organizations banded together to condemn Trump’s memorandum, calling “on the judiciary, bar associations, law firms, and individual lawyers to speak out against this dangerous assault on the legal profession and the rule of law”.

• Harvard University: Harvard University refused to comply with a list of Trump’s demands, updated its entire website to highlight its research and stance, and is now suing the Trump administration. Now, more than 200 college presidents and officials signed a letter protesting Trump’s overreach.

Why All This Matters

Tyranny relies on our obedience. It relies on the distortion of fact, upheaval of the rule of law, and dismantling of academia and media. It relies on fear, usually through the manufacturing of imagined dangers from minorities and outsiders, sexual anxieties related to women and LGBTQ+ communities, and labeling of any dissenters as “enemies of the state”. In order for tyranny to take hold, we must give in to this fear, accept these lies and stay silent.

Although some businesses, media, universities, and politicians are obeying in advance and capitulating to Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional demands, the people are not, and the people hold all of the power. Those at the top of our society are in the minority. This means that even though partners at law firms and large corporations may be complicit in the Trump regime, the associates and workers will not; that even though news stations may refuse to tell the truth, the viewers will not; that even though university leadership may capitulate in the face of lost funding, the student body and professors will not. It is our job to remind those leaders to whom they are accountable: us, the people, the masses.

Our government and institutional leaders may be failing us and driving us towards an authoritarian and oligarchic form of society that only benefits the wealthy, but they are the minority. So connect with your neighbors, coordinate across organizations, and reach across the aisle to welcome others to the fight. We, the people, hold the power, and we will not obey in advance.

How You Can Help

List of Small Actions

Here’s a list of what you can start doing today:

• Call your representatives and senators every day (recommend using 5calls.org).

• Find and join local organization(s) that are resisting.

• Boost organizations such as 50501, Tesla takedown, and others on social media.

• Check out Choose Democracy’s “What Can I Do” page for a list of actions.

• Join the protests if you are able to and comfortable with the risks.

• Talk with friends, family, and colleagues about what’s happening and what they can do about it.

• Discover and support local mutual aid networks.

• Encourage people to leave Big Tech (e.g., X, Facebook, Instagram, Google) for people-centric and privacy-forward platforms (e.g., Bluesky, Mastodon, Pixelfed, DuckDuckGo, Proton). If you continue to use the Big Tech platforms, only use them for resistance efforts (e.g., informing people of fascism and sharing protest information). We wrote another article dedicated to this topic.

• Sell Big Tech stock from your portfolios (e.g., Amazon, Meta, Google, Tesla).

• Boycott businesses that are associated with Big Tech or are siding with the regime (e.g., Wholefoods, Target, Walmart, Amazon Prime, Washington Post).

• Follow and pay for subscriptions to support independent media and individuals who are tracking this closely (note: running list to be edited over time):

  • Traditional Media: AP News; Reuters; Wired; The Guardian; Mother Jones

  • Neoreactionary Movement: Gil Duran's "The Nerd Reich"

  • Data Surveillance: Carole Cadwalladr’s How to Survive the Broligarchy

  • Authoritarianism & Russia: Timothy Snyder's Substack

  • Capitalism & Dictatorships: Robert Reich’s Substack

  • American History: Heather Cox Richardson’s Letter from an American

  • Civil Rights & Race: Sherrilyn Ifill’s Newsletter

  • U.S. Legal System: Marc Elias' "Democracy Docket"

  • Federal Workers: Alt National Park Service

Next Steps

• Share this widely. Use the sources and information in this article to educate your friends, family, and colleagues. Encourage people to get involved, starting with the list of small actions above.

• Join and amplify protests. If you can, join the nationwide upcoming day of action on Saturday, June 14 by finding the event nearest you. Amplify these actions through your networks to spread the word. 

• Hold fast to hope. Each action, no matter the size, makes a difference. The resistance is growing every day online and in the streets. We the people are the many, and the authoritarians and oligarchs are the few. Now, it is more important than ever for each of us to stand together in solidarity, showing the autocrats that the power lies with us, that we reject their autocratic goals, and that we can and will build a better future.

This article was written by R, an anonymous member of 50501 NY. This is not an official statement of the 50501 movement.

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This post has been edited:

• The first sentence was updated to focus on the April 19th protests. In an earlier version, we mentioned the April 5th Hands Off protests, which had 5.2 million protesters.

• Updates were made for the upcoming protest, now No Kings Day (June 14).

• In the “Workers and organizations are dissenting” section, we’ve replaced Princeton University with Harvard University, given its recent stance in defiance of the regime.

• More individuals were added to the independent media and journalists section.