How you can take inspiration from how Americans have fought back against authoritarianism before

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by The Conversation, click this post to read the original article.

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During Donald Trump’s second term, you’ve likely noticed increasing authoritarian tendencies within the federal government. His open defiance of court orders and expansion of executive power echoes a historical precedent: the House Un-American Activities Committee (Huac). Operating from the 1930s to the 1970s, Huac wielded vague but powerful tools to suppress dissent and label political opponents as threats under the broad and undefined concept of “un-Americanism.” This committee not only damaged reputations but also curtailed civil liberties, operating largely unchecked for decades.

As you examine how this was eventually challenged, you’ll see that it required a unified front. Civil liberties and civil rights movements came together, recognizing their shared stake in defending the U.S. Constitution. Their combined efforts highlighted how protecting free speech and equal rights were part of the same broader mission. This united opposition drew momentum from artists, activists, and students across the country, using public protest, satire, and music to spotlight Huac’s abuses and hypocrisy.

However, activism alone didn’t bring Huac down. Political leadership also played a key role. Congressman Jimmy Roosevelt strategically shifted the focus from simply protesting Huac to actively calling for its abolition. He used the committee’s own conduct—such as misuse of funds and ties to racist ideologies—to argue it was betraying core American values. By framing the issue as a threat to democracy itself, Roosevelt won support from newly elected liberal politicians in a shifting political climate.

You can take away three important lessons from this history. First, building a broad and focused coalition is key to resisting authoritarianism. Second, principled and courageous leadership can turn popular movements into lasting political change. And third, elections hold the power to shift the tide, especially when new leaders are ready to uphold democracy over fear-driven practices.