In This Article

• Why believing "I can't do anything" is exactly what the powerful want
• How small actions add up to real change
• 10 simple ways to push back against corruption and authoritarianism
• The hidden power of consumer activism
• How history proves that resistance works

10 Ways to Push Back Against Trumpism

1. Vote—Yes, Even When It Feels Pointless

Let’s start with the obvious. People say, “My vote doesn’t matter,” but tell that to the billionaires pouring millions into voter suppression. If your vote was worthless, they wouldn’t be spending fortunes trying to keep you from using it. If you’re in the U.S., vote. If you’re in Canada, push for stronger democratic safeguards. If you’re anywhere, support candidates who aren’t just puppets for corporate interests.

2. Stop Funding the Problem

Think corporations don’t care what you buy? Ask Bud Light how that worked out for them. Consumer boycotts have toppled executives and reshaped corporate policies overnight. What if millions of people stopped buying from companies funding Trumpism, far-right media, or environmental destruction? Want a real protest? Don’t buy anything today. That’s a message corporations actually listen to.

3. Demand Better Media—And Support It

Fox News isn’t just a news channel; it’s a propaganda machine. But they’re not alone. Corporate media loves chaos because it sells. The solution? Support independent journalism that exposes corruption instead of covering it up. Subscribe to investigative outlets, donate to fact-checkers, and for the love of democracy, stop sharing misinformation.

4. Make Your Elected Officials Uncomfortable

Politicians love low-effort outrage. They thrive on viral tweets and two-day scandals that disappear by the weekend. What they hate? Sustained pressure. Call their offices. Write actual letters (yes, physical ones). Show up at town halls. Make it clear that ignoring the will of the people has consequences. If they fear the backlash more than their corporate donors, they’ll start listening.

5. Amplify the Truth

Algorithms reward outrage and lies, but they can be hijacked. Share accurate, well-researched content. Correct misinformation when you see it. Make truth louder than the lies. Every post, every share, every conversation pushes back against the flood of disinformation designed to keep people disengaged.

6. Support Local Activism

Change rarely starts at the top. It builds from the ground up. Join local activist groups pushing for policies that actually help people. Whether it’s environmental protection, voting rights, or social justice, small-scale actions accumulate. Grassroots movements have toppled dictators—so they can certainly take on corrupt politicians.

7. Strike & Protest (Yes, They Work)

Some say protesting doesn’t change anything. That’s funny because every major rights movement in history was built on protest. Civil rights, labor rights, women’s rights—none of it happened because people politely waited. When corporations and governments see economic disruption, they panic. Strikes and mass protests still work—if we’re willing to use them.

8. Refuse to Normalize Corruption

One of the biggest dangers today is how easily people accept the unacceptable. The more we let corruption slide, the more it becomes the new normal. “That’s just politics” is the mantra of those who want you to stop paying attention. Don't let it happen. Call out lies. Challenge hypocrisy. Hold leaders accountable, no matter their party.

9. Build Resilient Communities

The more we rely on centralized systems, the easier it is to control us. Strengthening local communities means less dependence on corrupt institutions. Support local businesses, grow your own food, trade skills with neighbors. A society that can sustain itself is harder to manipulate.

10. Never Assume Someone Else Will Fix It

Waiting for politicians, journalists, or “the next generation” to fix things is how we got here. Every historic change happened because regular people stepped up. If everyone assumes someone else will handle it, nothing changes. The system isn’t broken—it was designed this way. The only way to change it is to actively push back.

History Proves Resistance Works

Authoritarians rely on fear and apathy. They count on people believing resistance is useless. But history tells a different story. The Civil Rights Movement, anti-apartheid protests, labor unions—none of them had power at first. They built it by refusing to accept the status quo. Every empire that seemed invincible eventually fell because people fought back. This moment is no different.

You Are Not Powerless

If you’ve ever said, “There’s nothing I can do,” consider this: the fact that you’re even thinking about it means you still care. And that’s the first step. Small actions, multiplied by millions, shape the world. Doing nothing guarantees defeat. But pushing back? That’s how history changes.

So, what will you do today?

Share this article. Buy nothing today. Call your representative. Join a local activist group. Do something—because if we don’t, democracy won’t survive the year and maybe not the spring.

About the Author

Robert Jennings is the co-publisher of InnerSelf.com, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals and fostering a more connected, equitable world. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army, Robert draws on his diverse life experiences, from working in real estate and construction to building InnerSelf with his wife, Marie T. Russell, to bring a practical, grounded perspective to life’s challenges. Founded in 1996, InnerSelf.com shares insights to help people make informed, meaningful choices for themselves and the planet. More than 30 years later, InnerSelf continues to inspire clarity and empowerment.

 Creative Commons 4.0

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 License. Attribute the author Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com. Link back to the article This article originally appeared on InnerSelf.com

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Article Recap

Feeling powerless against Trumpism and political chaos? You’re not alone, but that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. From strategic consumer choices to direct civic engagement, this article lays out 10 simple but effective actions to push back against authoritarianism, corporate greed, and government corruption. History shows that resistance works. The only way to lose is to do nothing. So, what will you do today?

#FightTrumpism #DefendDemocracy #PoliticalActivism #ResistAuthoritarianism #ConsumerPower #CivicEngagement #PushBackNow