Organizers across the country became increasingly concerned by the pre-election statements and actions taken by Trump and the Trump administration in a blatant attempt to control the results of the 2020 US Presidential Election. Because of this, many unions, caucuses, and organizations pledged to strike or come up with a plan to strike in the event of an attempted Trump coup. This was done in the weeks leading up to the election so that a mobilizing reaction would be immediate.

What’s happening?

-The Trump administration has threatened to reject the election outcome if Trump is not re-elected.¹

-Several “red lines” have been determined by various organizers and organizations, such as votes not being counted or a winner being falsely declared.¹

-There has already been various legal action on both sides, and Election Day will likely not serve as an end of a battle so much as the beginning.²

-If Trump refuses to concede in the face of a loss, he will create a dangerous precedent using the uncertainty and confusion of the moment. At best, this will complicate future elections (particularly in the event of a Trump 2024 campaign). At worst, Trump will use all his political power to retain his seat, and both he and Biden will show up on Inauguration Day.²

Why is immediate mobilization necessary?

-“With every day that passes after November 3, the president and his allies can hammer home the message that the legitimate tabulation is over and the Democrats are refusing to honor the results.”²

-Organizers recognize that citizens can make or break a coup, both from past experience and also because a coup involves a governing body declaring its legitimacy. If we don’t agree, we won’t listen. If we won’t listen, they can’t win.¹

-In order to create change, organizers argue that people must reassert their core values through specific action- ie pledging to join (and actually joining) a mass strike. Use pledges with “if-this-then-that” language to prepare people to mobilize in the event of crossed red lines.¹