Over the past few weeks, we’ve watched the new administration attack our communities — all to serve the interests of Trump and his billionaire buddies. But let’s be clear: the first three weeks of Trump’s presidency have not shown his strength. They’ve revealed the MAGA strategy. MAGA republicans and their billionaire friends are trying to overwhelm us. They are trying to convince us that we are scattered and divided. But that’s a lie.
The truth is — we are united. We are steadfast. We are powerful.
As we enter an era of increased authoritarianism in this country, now, more than ever, we must stay true to our values. And we must remember that we are here as part of a powerful movement based in love for the land, for laborers, for life, and for each other.
A message about this moment from HEAL’s Executive Director, Navina Khanna:
Here is what we’ve been doing to resist – and how you can join us:
We Must Challenge This Administration
Our communities deserve leadership that puts our people first. That’s why HEAL and our members have spoken out against many of this administration’s dangerous cabinet picks, including Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins and Health and Human Services nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Their track records make it clear: they will not fight for the well-being of farmers, working people, or food-insecure families.
But we will continue to do the work to push Congress to defend our food system, working people, and our environment. Read our transition memo to the U.S. Senate and join us in the fight for a just food and farm system.
Here’s what you can do right now
No matter your background—whether you’re a seasoned activist, a regular voter, or someone who has never voted before—your voice matters. Holding our elected officials accountable isn’t just about Election Day; it’s about showing up, speaking out, and demanding leadership that works for us every day. They must do everything in their power to stop the coup, and here’s how you can push them:
- Defend the CFPB! Elon Musk has taken over and shut down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which protects every day people from being scammed by big banks and corporate predators. Demand that your representatives step up now to forcefully support and defend the CFPB and its critical work.
- Care about the climate? Learn about key nominees in the Trump administration’s second term and the powers they will have, and how you can take action »
- Protect our Data! The USDA safeguards vast amounts of proprietary data and intellectual property – including farmer data and information from numerous contractors and partner organizations. Tell your representative to ensure that this data remains secure »
- Keep up with the Civil Eats Food Policy Tracker, the go-to source for actions taken by the President, federal agencies, and Congress that directly relate to or have significant implications for the food system.
Step Into Your Power – Know Your Rights!
All families deserve to live and work in safety, but the new administration’s detention and deportation policies are already making that impossible for many families. Here’s info on how to prepare and take action:
- All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. Print out the ILRC’s Red Cards (pictured above), which help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as attempted home arrests by ICE agents.
- Check out our list of trusted national immigrants rights organizations
- Know Your Rights in the workplace and in communities: Muslims for Just Futures launched “know your rights” resources on protesting, mutual aid/bail funds, and immigration resources for workplaces, businesses, and other community spaces. The resources are available in multiple languages, including double-sided posters you can print out.
- Traveling across state lines? Immigrant Legal Resource Center has a map of state laws on immigration enforcement
- Immigrant Farmworkers on the Frontlines: Farm Aid shared an extensive fact sheet on immigration and the food system.
Diversity and Equity Benefits ALL OF US
In January 2021, after decades of discriminatory practices and as many years of pressure from farmers, organizers, and advocates across the country, the USDA formed an equity commission that developed recommendations to improve outcomes for all farmers in the United States. MAGA Republicans have since erased all mention of the commission’s work from the USDA website, making this valuable data and analysis unavailable to the public.
We are deeply troubled by the deletion of this important data and attempt to silence this critical work. HEAL will continue to make this data, and our analysis, available to the public. We also commit to continuing to hold the USDA accountable to the Commission’s recommendations which include equity in access to training, technical assistance, credit, and loans for all farmers.
& We Must Continue to Defend the Environment
This administration, Elon Musk and their tech billionaire buddies, are working to undo all the progress, like passing environmental policies to protect the land, air, and water, that we’ve made together. Meanwhile, our members remain at the forefront, navigating climate chaos by caring for the land and their communities through regenerative practices rooted in traditional ecological knowledge. Read on for a round up of resources, mutual aid, policy news, and ways to support the fight for climate justice our members are leading.
Resources:
- WEBINAR: How to prepare for climate migration in the US [Brookings]
- WEBINAR: Four Fish: Oceans, Sea Slavery, Climate Change and the Future of the Last Wild Food [University of Michigan]
Mutual Aid:
There is an ongoing need to support the people and communities most severely affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Donate to Mutual Aid LA and view the list of available resources for those in need.
Climate News:
- Executive Orders mean real damage to U.S. economy, communities, and clean energy gains [NRDC]
- Trump killed a major report on Nature. They’re trying to publish it anyway. [NY Times]
- How Trump’s USAID shutdown threatens the world’s climate goals [Grist]
- Trump has brought much-needed attention to a site of great tragedy: the Gulf of Mexico [Guardian]
- What to know about executive actions on climate and environment [Associated Press]