Prospects for movements in the new Trump regime

The Daraja Press Podcast

Kali, of course, hardly needs an introduction, but for those of you who have not been fortune to hear and engage with Kali, let me say a few words about him: Kali Akuno is the co-founder of Cooperation Jackson in Jackson, Mississippi. He is the co-editor of Jackson Rising: The Struggle for Economic Democracy and Black Self-Determination in Jackson, Mississippi and of Jackson Rising Redux: Lessons On Building The Future In The Present. As many of you will know, we have had the pleasure of interviewing Kali on several occasions here on Daraja Press Podcasts.

In our last podcast, Kali discussed the implications of a possible Trump electoral victory, sadly predicting the disastrous outcomes in the US elections, which the Democrats lost almost entirely for refusing to break with their genocidal policies in Palestine. And now, with a so-called ceasefire in Gaza, recognized more in its breach than its implementation, it is clear that the Trump regime wants to eliminate or remove Palestinians from their homeland. The West Bank is already facing what Gaza has faced over the last 15 months. With the freeing of those involved in the January 6 2021 insurrection and assaults on social policy gains that unions and political organizing over the years have fought for, what are the prospects for the Black movement and the movement of other oppressed groups in the USA? So, a warm welcome Kali to discuss this and many other issues, we have Kali Akuno joining us today to give his perspectives on the struggles we face in the coming period.

Kali describes a more effective and organized Trump regime implementing policies that are creating significant contradictions and challenges, particularly around immigration and labor. He highlights how deportations and anti-immigrant policies are already impacting food production and elderly care. Kali argues that Trump is attempting to reset the terms of the global empire and reshape American society, potentially moving towards more authoritarian governance. He warns of increased militarization of police and the empowerment of right-wing militias. However, Kali also sees opportunities emerging from these crises. He emphasizes the growth of mutual aid networks and community-based solutions, particularly around food production and distribution. He advocates for expanding these efforts, suggesting slogans like "every yard a farm, every garage a factory" to encourage local production. The conversation touches on the potential for civil conflict given widespread gun ownership, with Kali cautioning that right-wing groups have already been well-trained with arms and firepower. Progressive forces will never match their military might, nor should they do so. "You're not going to outgun these folks, right?" Overall, while acknowledging the serious challenges ahead, Kali emphasizes the importance of building alternative systems and solidarity networks to meet community needs in the face of systemic crises.