Don’t Despair in a New Trump Era: A Call to Action!

As the new Trump era approaches, many of us find that every day is filled with increased dread. One of the greatest challenges that those of a progressive, liberal mindset will face in the coming four years is the magnitude of our own despair. We fear for the environment, the tax on democracy and due process, the loss of human rights, the terrorizing of minorities, the possibility of mass deportations, the abandonment of Ukraine, not to mention the stronghold Trump will have on the courts, Senate, and Congress—I could go on. The reality is startling and deeply threatening. 

Despite these very real threats—and in fact, because of them—we need to stay strong. But how? Before I get into what we should do, let me be clear about what we should not do: 

We should not fill ourselves with despair.

We should not neglect our mental health. 

We should not just scream—that did not get us very far last time.

These avenues lead to depressive inaction, making us unable to advocate for the people who need it most, including ourselves. Rather, we must focus on ways to reclaim our power and keep up the good fight. 

I believe we can counter our sense of powerlessness by emphasizing five of the thirteen middot taught by the Musar Movement. As a reminder, the middot are the inner traits that we focus on when pursuing the curriculum of spiritual wholeness. I believe we can find great strength in them, especially now. To be clear, nothing I am offering is a groundbreaking way to eliminate the fear and anxiety of the current moment. What I am offering, however, are some ways for us to collectively reground ourselves, preparing for the hard days ahead. Here are five ways to do that.

1. Tzedek – Justice

Many of us feel an acute sense of helplessness when we think about the global implications of a new Trump administration—be that foreign policy or climate change. What can an individual do about changing the direction of a whole country? However, there is actually a tremendous amount we can do when it comes to grassroots efforts. Whether through advocacy, humanitarian service, or social entrepreneurship, we can see a huge impact when we pursue social justice on the local level. Staying rooted in the power of local politics is a way to stay focused on the ways in which we can have an impact, rather than the things that are out of our control.

2. Kimutz – Frugality 

Some of the greatest power that any citizen holds is as a consumer. We need to remember that every day, we vote with our wallets, and that this can be a source of tremendous strength and influence. Each of us should think carefully about what we’re buying, what companies we’re supporting, and what media we’re amplifying—not just as individuals, but on a community level. 

3. Shalom – Peace 

Now more than ever, it will be important to bridge divides through open, good-willed dialogue. One of the greatest sources of disenfranchisement is isolation. In this day and age, it is too easy to get stuck in the echo chamber of your own social media stream. I encourage us all to enter into conversations that challenge us, and to do it will pleasantness and genuine curiosity. It is imperative to cultivate dialogue along the lines that divide us the most, e.g., faith, race, ideology. By talking and listening to one other, we will be able to build bridges of understanding and in that way, lower the collective temperature a bit.

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4. Emet – Truth 

One of the great threats to American civil society is the trend of de-intellectualization. We are witnessing an era of hot takes, where people read headlines but can’t get through a book; where people scroll Instagram Reels, but don’t sit through a whole documentary. At a time when critical thinking is so deeply threatened, we should all double down on our commitment to learning. By modeling how to investigate issues thoroughly and with reliable sources, we educate others not only on the issues of the day, but also on what it means to pursue a topic with depth and care. 

5. Menuchat HaNefesh – Peace of Mind 

The next four years will not be easy. In order to stay committed to social justice causes, we need to fuel ourselves not just physically but also spiritually. True peace of mind requires that we root ourselves deeply in faith. Be deepening and expanding our existing spiritual practices, we will nurture our souls and feel less powerless. For Jews, this may mean engaging more deeply with mitzvot and Torah learning, taking on a tefillah practice, or perhaps even committing to a mussar curriculum. Whatever route you choose, you’ll find that spiritual practices help us feel grounded and rebuild our trust in a higher power. With faith, we can find a sense of interconnectivity and wholeness, even at the most broken times. 

By focusing on the sources of our own power and groundedness, we will be able to not only withstand the next four years but to grow stronger and more resilient in our social change work.