Podcast Summary: "A Movement That Can Stop Trump"

Next Comes What
Host: Andrea Pitzer
Episode: A Movement That Can Stop Trump
Release Date: June 19, 2025

Introduction: Understanding the Rise of Mass Protests

In the episode titled "A Movement That Can Stop Trump," host Andrea Pitzer delves into the burgeoning protest movements across the United States aimed at countering authoritarian tendencies embodied by former President Donald Trump and his allies. Pitzer contextualizes the significance of the recent No Kings Day protests, highlighting their place within a larger trend of mass demonstrations from 2017, 2020, and 2025.

"A series of mass protests have taken place against authoritarian rule, encompassing national and local repression." [00:00]

The No Kings Day Protests: A Nationwide Awakening

Pitzer recounts the remarkable turnout for No Kings Day protests, where independent data journalist G. Elliot Morris estimates that between 4 to 6 million Americans rallied against repressive policies. The protests marked a significant escalation from earlier demonstrations during Trump's first term, with attendance doubling in 2025 compared to 2017 and tripling during the most recent event.

"I want to talk about what happened on no Kings Day last Saturday, how those three clusters of massive protest events came to be..." [00:00]

Voices from the Frontlines: Personal Experiences and Community Engagement

Pitzer shares her firsthand observations from Falls Church, Virginia, where she attended both morning and afternoon protests. The morning event saw an overwhelming local turnout, with streets filled with demonstrators waving signs and engaging interactively with drivers. This sense of community and solidarity was palpable, contrasting sharply with the more subdued and orchestrated events downtown.

Jason Sattler emphasizes the resolve of the protesters:
"We will not be moved. We will stand, we will march, we will sing, and we will speak peacefully, powerfully and persistently." [01:05]

Contrasting Demonstrations: Falls Church vs. Washington D.C.

While Falls Church experienced vibrant community-based protests, the downtown Washington D.C. celebrations in honor of Trump's birthday were markedly different. The event, intended to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, felt more like a controlled spectacle devoid of genuine enthusiasm. Pitzer notes the lack of critical mass and the presence of pretense, with military personnel appearing disengaged and the event overshadowed by tactical deployments of ICE units.

Pitzer observes:
"The DC Celebration was capped by an evening parade and fireworks... but the no Kings protests may well have been the largest unified national protest in the country's history." [06:26]

Jason Sattler contrasts the two events by underscoring the authenticity and grassroots nature of the protests:

"Go ahead, have your parades and your pomp and circumstance. We don't care." [06:26]

Historical Context: Black Lives Matter and the Legacy of Protest

Pitzer traces the roots of the current movement to the emergence of Black Lives Matter in 2013, catalyzed by the tragic death of Michael Brown in 2014. She highlights Donald Trump's long history of racist rhetoric and his opposition to movements advocating for racial justice.

"Black Lives Matter rose in 2013... Donald Trump has a very long history of racist rhetoric and actions..." [10:05]

Jason Sattler vehemently criticizes Trump’s stance:

"He's a race baiting, xenophobic religious bigot." [11:06]

Pitzer draws parallels between past civil rights struggles and the present-day protests, emphasizing the continuity of resistance against systemic oppression.

"The demonstrations that took place On Saturday, nationwide, 60 years after Selma, reveal a movement marked by a series of massive demonstrations of its own." [12:18]

Building a Resilient Movement: Diverse Voices and Persistent Advocacy

The episode underscores the multifaceted nature of the protest movement, which encompasses diverse groups advocating for various causes—from disability rights and healthcare to immigrant protections and LGBTQ+ rights. Pitzer illustrates how these interconnected struggles have fortified the movement, creating a robust network capable of sustained resistance against authoritarianism.

"Latino communities have organized to demand farm worker protections... those fighting deportations and raids have educated immigrants about their rights." [14:19]

Jason Sattler reinforces the collective ethos driving the movement:

"Nobody is free until all of us are free. That's the end goal." [14:15]

Media Representation and Public Perception

Pitzer critiques mainstream media for underreporting and misrepresenting the scale and impact of the protests. She argues that media outlets often fail to capture the nationwide breadth of demonstrations, thereby diminishing public awareness and support.

"The mainstream press tends to be kind of behind when it comes to understanding and reporting on popular protest." [18:54]

Jason Sattler highlights the efforts of organizers:

"Today's events in about 2000 cities and towns were organized by the no Kings Movement..." [18:59]

Challenges and Violence: The Dark Side of Protest Movements

While celebrating the successes, Pitzer also addresses the violent incidents that marred the protests, including attacks on protesters and journalists. She recounts the tragic events in Minnesota, where a gunman targeted Democratic lawmakers, and the ensuing chaos in Salt Lake City where conflicting reports emerged about the use of force by peacekeepers.

"The gunman, a Trump supporter who had a company called Praetorian Guard, had compiled a list of Democratic lawmakers and methodically tried to kill several of them." [17:31]

Strategies for Sustained Resistance and Future Outlook

Pitzer emphasizes that while significant victories like mass protests and court rulings are crucial, the struggle against authoritarianism demands ongoing commitment. She advocates for continuous grassroots organizing, local activism, and community support to counteract systemic efforts to dismantle progress.

"A victory in a national election or a protest that includes millions is a huge win in the face of authoritarianism. But it doesn't eliminate the need to win the next race or to do the work to change the system itself." [21:28]

Jason Sattler inspires listeners with a vision of collective action and resilience:

"There is a better America out there... History is in our hands." [22:10]

Conclusion: Hope as Discipline and the Power of Collective Action

The episode concludes with a reflection on hope as an active, disciplined practice essential for sustaining the movement. Pitzer and Sattler call on listeners to remain engaged, support one another, and persist in their efforts to uphold democratic values.

Mariam Kaba is quoted:
"Hope is a discipline. So hope is not something that you just pull out of the air or that you can simply feel or not feel. It is something that you have to work at." [22:51]

Pitzer underscores the importance of continued activism and the collective strength of the movement to overcome entrenched authoritarianism:

"As a country, we showed this weekend that we are stronger than they are and we can win." [22:28]

Key Takeaways:

1. Mass Mobilization: The No Kings Day protests represent a pivotal moment in nationwide resistance against authoritarianism, with millions participating across diverse communities.

2. Historical Continuity: The movement builds on decades of activism, from Black Lives Matter to disability rights, creating a resilient and interconnected network of advocates.

3. Media Challenges: Mainstream media often underreports or misrepresents the scale and significance of grassroots protests, necessitating alternative forms of communication and community engagement.

4. Ongoing Struggle: While significant progress has been made, continuous activism and local organizing are essential to sustain momentum and effect systemic change.

5. Hope and Resilience: Maintaining hope requires disciplined, collective effort. The movement's strength lies in its ability to inspire and support individuals at every level.

Notable Quotes:

• "We will not be moved. We will stand, we will march, we will sing, and we will speak peacefully, powerfully and persistently. Your justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream." – Jason Sattler [01:05]

• "A victory in a national election or a protest that includes millions is a huge win in the face of authoritarianism. But it doesn't eliminate the need to win the next race or to do the work to change the system itself." – Andrea Pitzer [21:28]

• "Hope is a discipline. So hope is not something that you just pull out of the air or that you can simply feel or not feel. It is something that you have to work at." – Mariam Kaba [22:51]

This episode of Next Comes What serves as a compelling examination of grassroots movements' growing strength in combating authoritarianism, emphasizing the importance of sustained collective action and community solidarity. Through vivid storytelling and incisive analysis, Andrea Pitzer and Jason Sattler inspire listeners to remain engaged and resilient in the face of ongoing political challenges.