OP-ED: This Presidents’ Day, Defending Democracy and our Freedoms is More Important Than Ever

In his farewell address, the first President of the United States George Washington warned that, “The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus to create whatever the form of government, a real despotism.”

As we honor Presidents’ Day 2025 we also must grapple with the consequences of a power grab being perpetrated by unelected billionaire Elon Musk and his enabler Donald Trump. It’s more important than ever that we the people come together in protecting the sanctity of our freedoms and demand that those privileged to govern in our names respect our democracy.

Our United States Constitution is built on the principle that three co-equal branches of government work on behalf of we, the people – to protect our freedoms and to support us as we work to build strong, safe and prosperous communities.

But that fundamental premise and our own well-being is now under attack. Illegal and unconstitutional orders and actions by Donald Trump, his administration, and his billionaire backers are inflicting real harms on real people – shuttering child care centers, breaching our private financial information, cutting funding for everything from farmers to life-saving medical research, and sending costs for everyday necessities spiraling upward.

Recent reports are now revealing the true aim of these attacks – Donald Trump and his billionaire cronies intend to take our money and give it to themselves through massive tax giveaways.

Wisconsin leaders like Senator Tammy Baldwin and U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore and Mark Pocan are raising the alarm and calling out this outrage. Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul are also fighting back, standing up to Trump and making sure Wisconsinites are taken care of. It’s time for Republicans to remember they too are supposed to be working for us and join in.

Call your state and federal representatives today and demand they defend our democracy by standing up for our local communities in the face of Trump’s unpopular, dangerous executive actions.