The killing of Alex Pretti, and the immediate lies and propaganda about his death from President Trump and his cronies, offer another dangerous example of how authoritarianism threatens our democracy. The administration immediately blamed the victim—a nurse who worked at a VA hospital—attempting to gaslight the public into not believing their own eyes. This is a clear hallmark of authoritarianism. The president and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have tried to wrongly frame Pretti, prior shooting victim Renee Good, and others as domestic terrorists, because they dared challenge the Trump administration’s illegal and immoral actions.
As I have written elsewhere, authoritarianism in today’s world comes about by chipping away at democracy, piece by piece. We are witnessing state-perpetuated violence and the rapid erosion of democratic norms that put all of our families at risk. Consolidation of executive power, with acquiescence of Congress and the highly partisan Supreme Court, are serious warnings of authoritarianism in the United States. But we know we can defeat authoritarianism, and history provides powerful lessons for the special role that scientists can and must play to defend democracy.
Scientists play a part in civil society
The vast majority of Americans—77%—trust scientists to act in the public’s best interests, according to a poll just released in January 2026. Scientists as a group have higher levels of public confidence than many other groups, including business leaders and elected officials. We must also recognize that democracy is an enabling environment for science, which is premised on an unfettered search for truth. The attacks on science in the past year under the administration’s funding cuts for lifesaving research slashed tens of thousands of scientific jobs, used fear and intimidation to stop scientists from speaking to the public, extorted universities, and ignored the best available evidence for policy making. The Trump administration has even ordered USDA scientists to investigate their international collaborators. This is the chipping away that threatens not only science, but democracy. Scientists cannot keep our heads down. We must use the trust the public has placed in us to help protect our neighbors, our communities, and our country.
These tactics below are simple, no-nonsense actions proven to defend against authoritarianism. But to be effective, you must start. Immediately. Apathy and despair are powerful weapons of authoritarianism, because they allow silence, fear and resignation to thrive. Courage—the triumph over fear—will help us defend democracy.
1. Speak out, fight propaganda
When democratic norms are threatened, we must speak out. Challenge authoritarian rhetoric in your own social circles. Learn to speak out against the dehumanization used by President Trump and his cronies as they seek to divide “us” and “them.” If you are able, write an op ed, engage with media, make your voice public. Those of us opposing the Trump administration’s authoritarianism are actually a majority. Normalize speaking out against state-sponsored violence and propaganda. Do not wait for them to come for you.
2. Show up, build community
For those of us able to do so, it’s time to use and protect the public square. Learn how to practice nonviolent resistance and show up to rallies, marches, vigils, meetings, and more. We are most powerful when we work in coalition with others. Use a toolkit to find and work with others or start a local rapid response network. Build community by connecting with groups already organizing, like faith groups, schools, local nonprofits, veterans groups, and unions. Push the scientific and professional societies you’re part of to publicly challenge the rising authoritarianism: urge conference organizers to include themes on authoritarianism and democracy, support independent science initiatives, and fight for scientific integrity.
3. Hold elected leaders accountable
Holding elected leaders accountable is a critical feature of democracy. Those leaders work for us, not for a party, president, or ideology. While Congress has played a key role in allowing President Trump’s authoritarian tactics, demanding accountability is the path back to democracy. To stop further consolidation of power, we must fight for the rule of law. Call your elected leaders, from local to state to federal, as it is proven to make an impact. Use the Ballotpedia tool to identify your elected leaders and their contact information. Use a toolkit to help you advocate effectively. Learn to write a sign-on letter. Share your story of how you have been personally impacted. Attend a town hall or local meeting. Remind your elected leaders that their power is derived from you, the public.
4. Defend elections now
Authoritarians seek to corrupt elections by undermining the norms, institutions and minority rights critical to a true electoral democracy. They tilt the rules in their favor through tactics like gerrymandering; they suppress votes through restrictive voter laws; and, historically, the worst regimes have tried to deter voting and civic participation through fear and intimidation, including the use of military forces on neighborhood streets.
In the wake of the killing of Alex Pretti, US Attorney General Pam Bondi demanded the Governor of Minnesota turn over voter rolls, to which the federal government has no Constitutional right, before the federal government would reduce the presence of immigration agents in Minneapolis—directly connecting the intimidation of Minnesotans with the administration’s effort to control and manipulate elections.
To safeguard elections you can volunteer to become a poll worker, engage your community on issues and candidates through events, or support get out the vote efforts. Learn and train others to fight election disinformation—deliberately false information about voting, election security, election outcomes and more meant to change voter behavior. States hold the key to protecting election systems and structure, so hold your local leaders accountable.
5. Provide mutual aid for others
Mutual aid is an act of resistance that fights fear and builds solidarity. Mutual aid is about neighbors helping each other by exchanging material resources and services, such as delivering groceries to folks who cannot safely leave their house. Mutual aid turns networks of care into networks of power and reduces dependence on coercive institutions. Talk to neighbors, faith groups, and schools to see if there are immediate needs. Use the mutual aid hub or check local social media to find ways you can support your own community. Learn more and share with others about the benefits of mutual aid, or go deeper and learn how to get involved with mutual aid organizing.
Resistance is an act of hope
Scholars who have studied authoritarianism around the world note the gravest danger is not repression but complacency. President Trump and his cronies will continue to use fear and intimidation, and we must guard against exhaustion and resignation. Now is the time for scientists to step forward: to speak publicly against state-sponsored violence, to stand up for evidence-based policy, to advocate for institutions and norms that protect scientific integrity, and to engage your communities in the shared work of defending democracy.
