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American Resistance: Individual Leaders

This guide is intended to identify building resistance to the Trump regime in the United States. It lists groups, leaders, protests. It can serve as a marker of important initiatives that will be of historical relevance.

Leaders of the American Resistance


American Opposition to Donald Trump was initially un-vocal until leaders like Steve Schmidtt, Beto O’Rourke, Adam Kinzinger, independent journalists and organizations made their opposition known. Courage is contagious .  

Within a few months many were gathering at protests, creating Political Action Committees, civilians were holding town halls,  calling their representatives, boycotting products, starting podcasts or news, educating followers in the constitution and peaceful resistance, reminding National guardsmen of their oath to the constitution, recording ICE activities for use in future prosecutions, comedically mocking Trump and ICE via late night comedians, Memes, animations, etc. 

These opponents come from legal, political, military, arts, religious and journalistic communities.  They have adapted to media like Substack to notify people of actions to take and of organizations to consult. Increasingly they are coordinating  their efforts.   This guide highlights those who are predominant in different areas and organizations. 

Politicians and Political Consultants

  • Beto O’Rourke  and Beto Media
    Former Congressman, Democrat and known for mobilizing voters, Beto O’Rourke is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to rally people to hold those in power to account.   
     
  • Governor Gavin Newsom
    Newsom is the Governor of California and is combatting Trump’s efforts to federalize the California National Guard and order them to suppress anti-ICE Protests in California.  Most recently he has undertaken to combat gerrymandering in Texas (pro-Republican) by doing the same in California (pro-Democrats); thereby nullifying Texas’ efforts. 
     
  • Steve Schmidtt  and The Warning 
    Former Republican consultant involved with running political campaigns, Steve Schmidtt is knowledgeable and committed to holding those involved with the Trump Regime to account. Realistic in his assessment of what is required to defeat Trump.  He also has a YouTube Channel for The Warning.  
     
  • Adam Kinzinger.
    Former Congressman and Air Force Pilot Retired.  Pro-democracy, an advocate for Veterans, supporter of Ukraine.  He was primaried after voting to Impeach Trump for the January 6th, 2021 insurrection and was defeated.  He writes, podcasts, discusses possible actions,  and argues for officers to obey their oath to the constitution
     
  • Senator Cory Booker
    Booker’s marathon speech about Good Trouble is the longest Senate speech in U.S. History and has inspired many to join the resistance. Besides acting as a Senator he does frequent media appearances arguing for democracy, social Justice and resistance.
     
  • Michael Cohen 
    Michael Cohen was Donald Trump’s lawyer.  He knows Trump well and stands in opposition to him.  He is trying to build a massive opposition against Trump.  Host Mea Culpa and cohosts Raw and Unfiltered with Malcolm Nance and Lev Parnas. 
     
  • Lev Parnas 
    Another former Trump Associate, author of Shadow Diplomacy, supporter of Ukraine and someone with contacts in government. His son is involved with The MeidasTouch Network.  Together with Michael Cohen and Malcolm Nance, they are the hosts of Unleashed and building a movement to force Congress to impeach Trump.  Also the subject of Emmy nominated documentary  From Russia with Lev by Rachel  Maddow
     
  • Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)
    Together are doing their Fight the Oligarchy Tour
     
  • Congresswoman Jasmine Crocket
    This Texas congresswoman is not shy about calling out Trump et al
     
  • Congressman Eric Swalwell
    This Democrat representing California’s 14 District is vocal in his criticism of Trump and MAGA.  Check out his video on the government shutdown.  Check out any number of his videos. 
     
  • Pete Buttigieg
    Veteran, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation and Democrat.  He is busy talking to Americans about what is happening from where they get their news.
     
  • Governor Tim Walz
    Walz has participated in Town Halls in Red States. On June 14th it was discovered that he was on a Trump supporter’s assassination list.  That  person killed a fellow Democrat Congresswoman in Michigan.
     
  • Governor J.B. Pritzker
    Pritzker has called out the entire political establishment and said those refusing to do their duties should not know a moment  of peace
     
  • Governor Andy Beshear
    This Governor of Kentucky is a rising star in the Democratic Party. 
     
  • Ryan Busse and the Montana Dispatch
    Former Republican, Former Firearms Executive, Author, Outdoorsman, former Democratic candidate for Montana Governor, and a big supporter of public lands.
     
  • Stacey Abrams
    Ms. Abrams is renowned for her activity with voter registration and running for Governor in Georgia.  She is also an author is mystery novels and a lawyer.  Practical in her understanding of politics, she is a force to be reckoned with. 
     
  • David Hogg
    President of Leaders we Deserve, David He rose to national prominence after surviving the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.   He  served as a Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee where he advocated for generational change in the party and served as a Gen Z advocate
     
  • Stephanie Gerber Wilson, PhD. 
    Dr. Wilson  is a historian, activist and communications expert who hosts the Freedom Over Fascism podcast and column.  She talks to authors, experts, activists, historians, and journalists who discuss fact-based media and strategies to break through the miasma of right-wing lies and provide fact-based, quality news and information 
     
  • Corbin Trent
    An Appalachian-born general contractor and political organizer. Co-founded  Brand New Congress, Justice Democrats, and  served as AOC’s first communications director. He publishes AmericasUndoing.com, a project exposing America’s economic decline and calling for bold, public-led rebuilding. Find more work on his TikTokYouTube, and Facebook channels.

Lawyers and Judges

  • Judge Michael Luttig 
    Former United States Court of Appeals Judge (1991-2006), Michael Luttig outlines the constitutional violations of the Trump Administration and explains constitutional issues.  He is widely interviewed.  
     
  • Michael Popok
    Popok hosts the Legal AF podcast which emphasizes events at the intersection of law and politics .  Co-founder of Meidas Touch Network.
     
  • George Conway
    Lawyer, former Republican and President of Society for the Rule of Law.  He explains the  legal news well

Military and Police Veterans

  • Adam Kinzinger.
    Former Congressman and Air Force Pilot Retired.  Pro-democracy, an advocate for Veterans, supporter of Ukraine.  He was primaried after voting to Impeach Trump for the January 6th, 2021 insurrection and was defeated.  He writes, podcasts, discusses possible actions,  and argues for officers to obey their oath to the constitution
     
  • Jolly Good Ginger
    Jolly Good Ginger is  a self-proclaimed reformed racist  shares his journey of unlearning white supremacy that he began at age 12. On  various social media sites. 
     
  • Malcolm Nance  -    Special Intelligence   
    Honorably Retired U.S. Navy Chief  who dealt with Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Domestic Extremism.  Author of ten books.   Has a Black Man Spy Podcast and takes part in other podcasts such as Unleashed (linked to from Special Intelligence) .  Created a Focused Action Focused Objectives aka FAFO PAC 
     
  • Nick Paro
    Army veteran, tech deconstructionist, andfavorite poet.  He hosts the "Sick of this Show" and co-founder of the "Banner & Backbone" network. Aims to reignite civics and redefine masculinity.
     
  • Tennessee Brado
    Check out the YouTube Channel for this Social Commentator, Singer Songwriter and Meidas Touch Contributor “Tennessee Brando!”  All done with Southern Wit.  Check out his version of For What It’s Worth.  It is great.

Journalists

With the quelling of major networks in the United States, their news coverage of politics has been tamed.  This does not mean there is no coverage as as independent voices and independent media are racing to fill the void.  Because they are smaller  the coverage is not minute by minute and instead can be once a day - or occurring when an emerging story needs coverage.  Leaders include: 

  • MeidasTouch Network
    With almost five million subscribers, this pro-democracy independent  news  network  is now the most popular political news podcast after overtaking Joe Rogan.  They cover protests, interview opposition leaders, and cover the Trump Regime. 
     
  • Meidas Canada
     Charlie Angus will now host the Canadian Meidas.  
     
  • The Jim Acosta Show 
    Hosted by the former CNN Anchor, Jim Acosta, this show covers the latest news and interviews leaders.  It is staunchly pro-democracy. 
     
  • The Bulwark
    These never-Trumpers are former Republicans who created the Bulwark.  Their most prominent leaders are Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and Johnathan V. Last among others.  Sarah conducts regular focus groups; all write and podcast daily; and all are working with Democrats to defeat Trump.  They provide analysis of politics in the Trump era.  
     
  • Associated Press
    Still willing to ask tough questions.  
     
  • Don Lemon Show
    This show is hosted by a former CNN host who is pro-democracy and has a large following. 
     
  • The Atlantic
    The Atlantic is sticking to its core democratic values and reporting the news as merited by the circumstances. 
     
  • Ryan Lizza
    This long standing journalist has written for publications like the New Yorker.  His current publication is Telos News that deals with current U.S. Politics.  Like many opponents to the Trump regime he has faced lawsuits, allegations, etc. 
     
  • Katie Phang
    Katie Phang  is an independent journalist, lawyer and legal analyst.  She has moved from working for major networks to Substack where she is not facing constraints on what she reports. 
     
  • Terry Moran
    Reporter  and former anchor at ABC news.  Now on Substack.
     
  • Ukraine: The Latest
    From The Telegraph, this podcast provides excellent coverage of the War in the Ukraine including the impact of American foreign policy.  Available via YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. 
     
  • Aaron Parnas
    Host of the Parnas Perspective, Aaron Parnus covers protests and provides a Gen Z perspective on issues in the news.  
     
  • Katie Couric
     
  • Thom Hartmann
    Thom Hartman’s Radio and TV Program discuss current events and Hartmann is master of the topics
     
  • Really American Media
    Grassroots political organization and media producing most impactful political content.  Their videos are featured on a variety of networks including MSNBC, CNN, Fox News and more. 
     
  • Harry Sisson
    Influencer, Gen X  and political broadcaster.  Operates on TikTok
     
  • Shane Yirak
    Shane is  a polemic essayist and resistance writer. He aims to reframe the national conversation—and build a community of Firebrands who refuse to look away and ask seek truth and justice.  You can check him out at The Firebrand Project. 
     
  • Dean Blundel.
    Media guy and Canadian Muckraker

  • Charlie Angus - The Resistance
    NDP Member of Parliament, Retired,  Charlie Angus has called for Canadians to stand our ground against Trump’s threats against Canada.  More recently, he agreed to host Meidas Canada.
     
  • Aaron Rupar 
    Independent journalist covering UD politics and media and publisher of Public Notice

Religious and Moral Leaders

  • Bishop William Barber  and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove : Our Moral Moment
    These clergymen are advocates for democracy and moral opposition to injustice.  Current actions include fighting against an immoral and violent budget; and rallying clergy across the nation to stand in opposition to the current regime.  They also are co-creators of the Save America Movement. 
     
  • Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg
    Levin and Greenberg are the cofounders  of Indivisible, a group that was established  to lead a resistance against Trump.  

Foreign Relations Experts

  • Lev Parnas 
    A former Trump Associate, author of Shadow Diplomacy, supporter of Ukraine and someone with contacts in government.  Also the subject of Emmy nominated documentary  From Russia with Lev by Rachel  Maddow.  

  • Malcolm Nance  -    Special Intelligence   
    Honorably Retired U.S. Navy Chief  who dealt with Counter Terrorism, Intelligence and Domestic Extremism.  Author of ten books.   Has a Black Man Spy Podcast and takes part in other podcasts such as Unleashed (linked to from Special Intelligence) .  Created a Focused Action Focused Objectives aka FAFO PAC 
     
  • Phillips O’Brien 
    Head of the School of International Relations And Professor of Strategic Studies at St. Andres College, Phillips Payson O’Brien has written prolifically on conflict and on the War in Ukraine.
     
  • Jason Jay Smart
    National Security Analyst, Security Expert, blacklisted by the Kremlin, Jason Smart conducts interviews in Russian and Ukrainian.  He is well respected.  He now decides post-Soviet politics to people in English.  Very well published. 

  • Oleksandr Bolbirer
    Oleksandr Bolbirer is an activist speaking on behalf of the Ukraine.  Together with Malcolm Nance and Lev Parnas on they provide information on foreign relations, intelligence, the war in Ukraine.
     
  • Adam Kinzinger.
    Former Congressman and Air Force Pilot Retired.  Pro-democracy, an advocate for Veterans, supporter of Ukraine.

Artists, Writers, Poets and Muscicians

  • Robert L. Arnold aka Defiance 13.
    Every resistance needs a poet and Robert L. Arnold - aka Defiance 13 - is one for the time.  Whether he is  talking about Johnny Cash, bulletproof backpacks or June 14th, he lays bare the country using history, the constitution, and by using mesmerizing words. 

  • Tennessee Brado
    Check out the YouTube Channel for this Social Commentator, Singer Songwriter and Meidas Touch Contributor “Tennessee Brando!”  All done with Southern Wit.  Check out his version of For What It’s Worth.  It is great.
     
  • Stacey Abrams
    Ms. Abrams is renowned for her activity with voter registration and running for Governor in Georgia.  She is also an author is mystery novels and a lawyer.  Practical in her understanding of politics, she is a force to be reckoned with. 
     
  • Shane Yirak
    Polemic essayist and resistance writer who aims to reframe the national conversation—and build a community of Firebrands who refuse to look away and ask seek truth and justice.
     
  • Nick Paro
    Army veteran, tech deconstructionist, and  poet.  He hosts the "Sick of this Show" and is a co-founder of the "Banner & Backbone" network. Aims to reignite civics and redefine masculinity.
     
  • Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, Robert De Niro and a host of other artists

Divinities, Puppets and Animated Opposition

  • God and Jesus
    Check out Letters from God for analysis.

  • The Opinionated Ogre
    Stay-at-home Ogre.  Liberal.  Curses a lot.
     
  • Droobie the Marshmallow 
    This “Canadian Reporter” is a vocal critic of Trump, albeit in pretend press conferences.  Language warning.  
     
  • South Park
    These animators are taking no prisons in their projection of Trump and MAGA.  They are ruthless.  

Former MAGA Individuals

  • Lev Parnas
    A former Trump Associate, author of Shadow Diplomacy, supporter of Ukraine and someone with contacts in government.  Also the subject of Emmy nominated documentary  From Russia with Lev by Rachel  Maddow. 
     
  • Rich Logis
    Rich Logis is a father and small businessman.  He left MAGA in 2022 and later created the nonprofit called Leaving MAGA.  Leaving MAGA provides both advice and community to those doubting whether to remain in MAGA. 

Intellectuals

The following are leading public intellectuals on authoritarianism, U.S. History and on U.S. Foreign Policy.

Canadian Leaders

  • Mark Carney
    Prime Minister of Canada.  He is actively building economic and military alliances with Europe. As a former head of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, he is tactically using economic leverage, as well as his connections with world leaders. 
     
  • Charlie Angus - The Resistance
    NDP Member of Parliament, Retired,  Charlie Angus has called for Canadians to stand our ground against Trump’s threats.  More recently, he agreed to host Meidas Canada.
     
  • Premier Doug Ford
    Facing massive job losses due to Trump’s  Tariffs and his threats to Canadian Sovereignty, Premier Ford has been a vocal member of the opposition and has taken many counter actions. 
     
  • Dean Blundel.
    Media guy and Canadian Muckraker. 
     
  • Mike Myers
    This Canadian comedian told Canadians to respond to Trump’s threats by keeping our “Elbows Up”.  It has become a popular rallying cry by Canadians, including Prime Minister Mark Carney.  
     
  • Droobie the Marshmallow 
    This “Canadian Reporter” is a vocal critic of Trump, albeit in pretend press conferences.  Language warning.  

Comedians