💯 100 Days In — And a Resistance in Full Bloom
From the chaos of Trump’s second term, a powerful resistance is rising. Here’s what we’re seeing through the lens of GAIN Power — and how we move forward.
Just 100 days into Trump’s second administration, we’ve already seen more damage than during his entire first term — and that’s saying a lot.
But through GAIN Power’s lens — connecting campaigns, coalitions, consultants, and community leaders — I see something else:
A resistance blooming with unprecedented vigor, powered by people like you.
🌱 Our Community Leading the Way
At GAIN Power, we have a bird’s eye view of the energy, action, and leadership emerging nationwide. We’re seeing a growing, grassroots-powered movement that transcends geography, job titles, and political silos.
And the most inspiring part? It’s not just coming from Washington — it’s coming from everywhere. And it is run by the people in our community.
Mutual aid networks are stepping up where the federal government is cutting back.
Millions marched in April during the Hands Off protests, rejecting Trump’s authoritarian agenda.
Organizers like Sydney from Pennsylvania, who helped build the 50501 movement from scratch, remind us:
“I decided to pick the ball up and do it myself. And I learned a lot extremely quickly. It’s probably one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.”
And from the heart of government, real resistance is visible:
On the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, Democrats — led by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Cory Booker — held a 12-hour live-streamed sit-in to protest Trump’s devastating proposed budget. They heard directly from constituents about the consequences of cuts to child care, health research, education, housing assistance, and services for the elderly (Boston Globe).
🗳️ A Vision for Our Future: What Democrats Must Do Now
Trump’s approval ratings are plummeting (CNN), yet voters remain unconvinced by Democrats. Polling shows many feel the party focuses more on "helping others" than “people like me” (Politico).
We must be more than just the opposition. We must offer a clear, inclusive, values-driven vision that makes life better for working people and protects our democracy.
✅ What We Must Do
1. Center a Clear Economic Opportunity Agenda
Expand access to apprenticeships, vocational training, and debt-free community college.
Cut taxes for working- and middle-class families.
Protect Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid as vital pathways to security
2. Reclaim the Language of Freedom
Freedom to choose: reproductive rights, personal identity, family structure
Freedom from fear: gun violence, police overreach, authoritarianism
Freedom to thrive: in clean, healthy, climate-safe communities
3. Lead with Urgency and Authenticity
As Marc Elias put it: “If we want free and fair elections in 2026, the time to act is now.”
We need passion. Boldness. Real leadership.
💪 GAIN Power’s Role in This Moment
At GAIN Power, we see the movement's backbone—the strategists, communicators, researchers, organizers, and campaign staff working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Whether you're a content creator, organizer, fundraiser, researcher, speechwriter, scheduler — no matter your role — we need you in this fight.
There’s a place for everyone who wants to defend democracy:
Campaigns at every level
Policy and issue advocacy
Digital organizing, media, and communications
Party building and infrastructure
Consulting and technical support for progressive causes
Your skills are essential. Your voice matters. And your work is already making an impact.
✨ Signs of Hope and Momentum
Despite the darkness, we’re seeing rays of light:
Democrats flipped key seats in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Florida.
Dan Pfeiffer reminded us:
“Trump was elected to strengthen the economy and lower prices. Instead, he’s weakened the economy and raised prices.” (Message Box)
Sen. Chris Murphy’s “emergency message” is resonating across red districts. His words cut deep:
“There’s not going to be a 2028 election if we don’t win this fight right now.” (AP News)
Bernie Sanders and AOC are drawing crowds with their Fighting Oligarchy tour, inspiring everyday people in places too often ignored (BBC).
Gov. JB Pritzker is calling out both Trump and Democratic complacency:
“We must castigate them on the soapbox … and then punish them at the ballot box.” (Boston Globe)
🛣️ The Road Ahead
📅 553 days until the 2026 midterms
📅 1,288 days until the 2028 presidential election
📅 Thousands of local elections THIS YEAR
This isn’t just about stopping Trump. It’s about reclaiming our future.
The resistance isn’t just alive — it’s thriving, because of people like you.
Let’s keep connecting talent to opportunity. Let’s build our collective power.
Let’s create the future we know is possible.