We’ve all heard some version of it: “Trump is just doing X to distract from Y.”
It’s a tempting frame. The idea is that if we just stay disciplined and ignore the noise, we’ll outsmart the political games.
But here’s the problem: taken too far, this way of thinking becomes a distraction itself. It risks pulling our attention away from the urgent, real-time fight for democracy that is happening right in front of us.
The Epstein Files — and Beyond
Yes, Trump would love the country to look away from the Epstein Files. He’s always been obsessed with controlling attention — okay with being painted as cruel or extreme, but never okay with being seen as weak, ridiculous, or absurd.
The Epstein revelations are damaging to him, and we should not let them go.
But here’s the truth: Covering up Epstein is not the only (or even the worst) thing Trump and MAGA Republicans are doing right now.
Authoritarian Moves in Real Time
Just in the past few weeks, we’ve watched Trump escalate actions straight out of the authoritarian playbook:
- Occupation of D.C.: Flooding the capital with troops, terrorizing residents, and encouraging governors to pledge even more forces.
- Election Rigging: MAGA Republicans across the country are gerrymandering maps to steal seats in 2026 — and Trump is openly attacking our voting system with executive orders meant to intimidate.
- Power Grabs Elsewhere: From silencing dissent to weaponizing federal power, the pattern is clear: weaken democratic checks, centralize control, and tilt the playing field for the next election.
None of this is a mere “distraction.” It is the main event.
Imagine If We Looked Away
If we dismissed these power grabs as mere noise, here’s what we’d be saying:
- “Residents of D.C., don’t resist the occupation of your city — it would only distract from Epstein.”
- “Texas Democrats, don’t break quorum to fight gerrymandering — it would only distract from Epstein.”
- “Pro-democracy advocates, don’t push back on attacks against vote-by-mail — it would only distract from Epstein.”
Absurd, right? Democracy isn’t won by ignoring authoritarian power grabs. It’s won by meeting them head-on.
Pushing Back Is Patriotic
Across the country, people are already showing us how:
- Kentuckians rallied outside Rep. James Comer’s office to hold him accountable.
- Over 300 rapid response events erupted in support of Texas Democrats resisting GOP gerrymanders.
- Indivisible groups everywhere are calling their members of Congress to demand action.
Here in Lenawee, we know the same truth: when we show up, speak out, and organize, we protect democracy.
That’s why this weekend we’ll be staging a Die-In for Democracy to spotlight how Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” slashes rural healthcare funding. Our neighbors’ lives and livelihoods are on the line — and by taking action together, we’ll make sure people understand what’s at stake and who’s responsible.
📅 Join US at the Die-In for Democracy
- When: Saturday, Aug. 23, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
- Where: Old Courthouse Lawn, 301 N Main St, Adrian
- What: A dramatic, peaceful protest with tombstone signs, short speeches, and a community photo to amplify our message
Bring your energy, your signs, and your voice — together we’ll show that cutting rural healthcare is a deadly choice, and we won’t stand for it.
KeepINg Our Eyes on the Prize
Yes, Trump is weak on Epstein. But he’s also weak on:
- Militarizing American cities
- Corrupting our voting systems
- Stealing our healthcare to give billionaires a tax cut
- Failing workers and families on jobs, wages, and inflation
The “prize” isn’t proving Trump is corrupt — we already know he is. The prize is something bigger: a democracy where every person has a voice and every vote counts.
That means we can’t afford to dismiss the attacks on our freedoms as “just” distractions.
4 Things You Can Do This Week
Here are actions you can take to keep democracy strong and vibrant:
- Join our Die-In for Democracy: On Saturday, Aug. 23, from 2:30–3:30 p.m. at the Old Courthouse Lawn in Adrian, we’ll dramatize the deadly impact of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” on rural healthcare. RSVP on Mobilize today.
- Get your tombstone ready for Saturday: We’ve put together messaging ideas to help.
- Watch the latest One Million Rising Training session: If you missed it live, the session is now available on YouTube.
- Support immigrants in our community: Learn about Indivisible’s Signs of Solidarity campaign and start canvassing local businesses.
The Bottom Line
When Trump lashes out, don’t buy the line that it’s “just a distraction.” Every authoritarian move is part of the plan to consolidate power.
The good news? We can resist it. Together.
And every action we take — whether it’s calling our reps, showing up at rallies, or simply refusing to look away — helps keep democracy alive here in Lenawee County and across the country.
About Lenawee Indivisible:
Lenawee Indivisible is a grassroots organization dedicated to defending democracy, protecting voting rights, and holding elected officials accountable—in Lenawee County, MI, and beyond. We believe in informed civic engagement, inclusive communities, and building power through people. Learn how you can get involved.