Trump is a Loser (literally): Why We Need to Stop Fearing the President’s Authoritarian Actions

In the attention economy we live in right now, stories that fit a compelling narrative often shape public perception more powerfully than facts. In this environment, whoever controls the story controls the response. This doesn’t mean facts don’t matter, but without being embedded in a narrative that cuts through the noise, they tend to lose impact and fizzle away.

If you’re here, reading this post, then congratulations! You’re resisting the seductive dopamine hit of scrolling and taking a minute to seek the facts on the ground. 

As frightening as the headlines seem to be, and there’s no denying that we are taking tentative steps towards authoritarianism, much of what you hear is bluster—like Trump’s statement that “Some people want a dictator.” It’s pure trolling. Yes, deploying the National Guard in Washington, D.C. is a show of force, but notice the pushback when he tries it in a state where he lacks the authority. 

But, most importantly, the reality is that most of the most damaging actions taken by this administration have been soundly repudiated in lower courts. The only reason some of them, such as the tariffs, continue is that friendly judges have allowed them while the cases are being appealed. But Trump’s actions are largely illegal and beyond the scope of his authority. Whenever he is challenged, as states like California have done, he loses. It is a pity that some organizations and universities capitulated so easily; perhaps they were philosophically of the same mind.

• Liberation Day Tariffs: A trade court struck down these sweeping import tariffs in May 2025, ruling that they exceeded presidential authority. But the administration appealed, and a higher court granted a stay. This means the tariffs are still being collected while the appeal is pending.

• Birthright Citizenship Executive Order: Trump attempted to end automatic citizenship for some U.S.-born children. Multiple class-action lawsuits produced nationwide injunctions blocking enforcement. The Supreme Court later limited the issuance of new nationwide injunctions, but existing class-action orders remain in effect. So the policy is currently blocked, but litigation continues.

• Foreign Aid Freeze: Early in 2025, Trump froze USAID and State Department funding for a range of programs. One judge briefly blocked parts of it, but another judge lifted that order soon after. The freeze is now being enforced while cases proceed.

• NIH Indirect Cost Cap: Trump’s order capping research overhead reimbursements at 15% for NIH grants has been blocked nationwide by a preliminary injunction since February 2025. It remains unenforceable while the appeals are pending.

• Anti-DEI Executive Orders: The administration issued several orders rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Federal judges have blocked major portions of these orders with preliminary injunctions. Enforcement is currently halted.

• Transgender Military Ban: Trump reinstated a ban on transgender military service members. A district court blocked it, but the Supreme Court issued an emergency stay. That means the ban remains in effect for now, while litigation proceeds.

• Expedited Deportation and Parole Termination: A D.C. court recently blocked the administration’s effort to fast-track deportations of certain migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The government is likely to appeal, but, for now, the block is in place.

• Education Funding Cuts: Multiple states sued after Trump tried to withhold $6.8 billion in education funding. Under pressure from litigation, the administration reversed course and restored the funds, so the cuts are no longer being enforced.

A friendly Supreme Court, a for-profit media ecosystem, and the attention economy are the reasons why Trump continues to evade judicial oversight and accountability for his extra-judicial orders and actions. But what is true for the schoolyard is true for politics. Bullies always cave. If you can RISE (Resist Intimidation and Show Endurance), then you get a TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out)!

Join us to fight the good fight at theyseeblue.org/join. Winning several important elections this year sends a message to the bullies in Washington that their power is granted to them by us, the citizens. Use your voice, your money, and your effort to send a stinging rebuke to the wannabe-emperor. America does not want kings!