Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) will be hosting grassroots events in the wake of President Trump’s second term, looking to combat the changes Trump is ushering in because “Trumpism does not believe in democracy.”
“Why, at this moment, are we doing town meetings around the country – especially in conservative areas? The answer is obvious,” Sanders wrote in an op-ed in The Guardian. “Trumpism will not be defeated by politicians inside the DC beltway.”
Sanders said he will be hosting events in Omaha, Neb., and Iowa City, Iowa, to speak with people who say “no to authoritarianism” and Trump’s recent federal cuts.
“Can Trumpism be defeated? Absolutely! But, if we’re going to make that happen, we need to know exactly what we’re up against and how we can best go forward,” Sanders wrote.
The senator highlighted Trump’s proximity to tech billionaire Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency’s slashing federal spending. He also highlighted the media movement behind Trump, including Fox News and Musk owning the social platform X.
Sanders noted Trump’s recent post, in which he likened himself to French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The president posted, “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law,” a phrase attributed to the 19th century French leader.
“Trumpism does not believe in democracy or the rule of law. Trump recently posted: ‘He who saves his Country does not violate any Law,’” Sanders said. “In other words, Trump believes that he can do anything he wants for any reason. He can ignore Congress or the courts. He is above the law.”
Sanders wrote that there are real challenges facing Americans and Trump is not addressing them.
“Our struggle, the American people’s struggle, is to protect democracy and the rule of law. Equally important, we must end oligarchy and create an economy that works for all, not just a few,” Sanders said.
Demonstrations on Monday, which was Presidents Day, protested Trump’s presidency and opposed Musk’s role as an unelected official. Legal battles are also playing out in the courts, with dozens of lawsuits filed.
Federal judges have halted several of Trump’s sweeping executive orders. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong (D) has argued that Musk’s role is skirting the Constitution and its Appointments Clause.
Sanders sent a rallying cry to Americans looking to get involved and inspired.
“This is a perilous moment in American history,” he concluded. “Let us go forward together.”
The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.
