Michigan Communities Mobilize to Confront Damages of Trump Administration's First 100 Days

Michigan Communities Mobilize to Confront Impacts of Trump Administration's First 100 Days

Speakers condemned the administration's actions for prioritizing corporate interests over public good and individual rights, leading to rollbacks in environmental protections, worker safety standards, and civil liberties, while exacerbating existing inequalities and threatening essential services and programs.

• The event served as a collective call to action emphasizing solidarity, community, and resistance against policies perceived as causing chaos, pain, and fear, urging citizens and state lawmakers to push back, protect vulnerable communities, and fight for a more just and equitable future.

One hundred days into the Trump presidency, a diverse coalition of Michigan organizations convened to voice their profound concerns and highlight the negative impacts of the administration's early policies across the state and nation. The press conference, hosted by Progress Michigan, brought together representatives from groups advocating for working people, immigrant communities, parents, environmental stewards, and Muslim communities, underscoring the widespread nature of the perceived attacks on civil rights, government checks and balances, and public goods.

The event opened with Sam Inglot, executive director of Progress Michigan, who set the stage by describing the "unprecedented attacks" experienced in the first 100 days, including the empowerment of "corporate greed". He cited specific actions impacting Michigan, such as the shutdown of three Planned Parenthood clinics in rural communities, eroding LGBTQ+ civil rights, and moves to dismantle the Department of Education. Inglot emphasized that "no corner of this state or this country is untouched by the chaos and pain caused by the Trump administration".

Bob Thompson of the Michigan Farmers Union spoke about the struggles faced by small and midsized independent family farms. He stated that President Trump's "reckless trade policies and chaotic tariffs" have harmed farmers by drying up export markets and causing uncertainty. Furthermore, cuts to critical support programs for rural communities, like the National Weather Service, are jeopardizing farmers' ability to make crucial decisions about planting and harvesting. Funding threats to Michigan State University's agricultural programs also threaten innovation and training for future farmers.

Representing the immigrant community, Cindy Gamboa from Meipo detailed the fear and insecurity caused by expanded ICE operations. She highlighted that over 700,000 immigrants live in Michigan, including thousands of mixed-status families who fear separation. Aggressive ICE actions in places like Metro Detroit, including detentions at the Ambassador Bridge often resulting from simple wrong turns, are sowing distrust and "dehumanizing entire communities". These policies, leading to expedited deportations and limited access to legal representation, undermine the fundamental principles of due process.

Sean McBry of Clean Water Action focused on environmental concerns. He reported that in the first 100 days, President Trump had rolled back over 30 federal environmental protections, favoring "big polluters". He connected the fast-tracking of fossil fuel projects to campaign donors, criticizing the reduction of environmental review times from years to days, which bypasses safety checks and risks public health. McBry specifically mentioned the administration's plan to roll back protections for over half of Michigan's wetlands, which are vital to the Great Lakes ecosystem. He also highlighted budget cuts impacting funding for removing lead service lines, leaving ratepayers to bear the burden. The controversial Line 5 pipeline project under the Straits of Mackinac was cited as an example of bypassing environmental assessments despite spill risks.

Derek Dobies from the Michigan AFL CIO addressed the impact on workers and unions. He asserted that Trump is "coming after unions" and Michigan workers, threatening job security and collective bargaining agreements. He linked the administration's "relentless attacks on workplace safety standards" to a "dangerous hatred for any check on corporate greed," despite rhetoric claiming to help everyday Americans. Dobies mentioned the dismantling of programs like the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer and gutting the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. He also noted executive orders aimed at stripping collective bargaining rights from federal employees.

Ha Khan from Emgage Action Michigan spoke about the challenges faced by the Muslim community. Executive orders and policies have instilled fear and uncertainty, including the reinstatement of the travel ban which has led to family separations and heightened anxiety. Increased ICE presence and detentions affecting individuals with legal status were reported. Khan condemned policies eroding due process and cited examples like the targeting of a Columbia University graduate for free speech. The proposed SAVE Act was also criticized for potentially disenfranchising millions of eligible voters through stringent documentation requirements, disproportionately impacting Muslim and marginalized communities.

Finally, Aisha Wells from Mother and Justice highlighted the struggles of Black and Brown mothers and working families. She noted job losses, rising costs, and policies that do not reflect lived realities. Wells specifically pointed out the potential impact of proposed federal budget cuts to Medicaid, which covers 38% of births in Michigan, and SNAP benefits, which assist 1.3 million Michiganders, leading to increased hunger and hardship. Cuts to childcare subsidies and paid sick leave further burden parents.

Throughout the event, speakers emphasized the importance of solidarity and community as a solution to the prevailing fear. They called for ongoing resistance, urging citizens and state lawmakers to push back against harmful federal actions, stand up for vulnerable communities, and fight for a future based on shared values of freedom, fairness, and the rule of law.

This event was a collaboration between: Michigan Farmers Union, Emgage Michigan, Michigan AFL-CIO, MI Poder, Mothering Justice, Clean Water Action, and Progress Michigan