To the Editor:
In just his first week back in office, Trump’s administration has set off shockwaves both at home and abroad.
Protests are erupting worldwide, with people in the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Sweden, and beyond standing in solidarity with everyday Americans. They are raising their voices against the far-right extremism, authoritarianism, and human rights abuses many fear are taking root in the United States.
These protests aren’t just about American policies, they are about the alarming global implications of a movement that seems eerily familiar to dark chapters in world history. Among Trump’s bold and chilling statements are his claims that the U.S. will “take” other nations, including Canada and Greenland. These words, though perhaps dismissed by some as hyperbole, bear a striking resemblance to the rhetoric and ambitions of Adolf Hitler during the rise of Nazi Germany.
A stark warning from history
In 1939, Adolf Hitler began making similarly aggressive claims about expanding Germany’s borders to “protect” its people and interests. Within 54 days, Germany’s democratic structures had crumbled, authoritarianism reigned, and the world was on the brink of catastrophe. Protests against Trump’s rhetoric and policies today are not just about resistance; they’re a warning. History doesn’t just repeat itself, it echoes in ways we cannot afford to ignore.
The global response
• United Kingdom: Massive protests have erupted outside the U.S. Embassy in London, with demonstrators calling attention to the dangers of normalizing authoritarian rhetoric.
• Germany: Berliners, acutely aware of the consequences of unchecked extremism, are holding rallies to stand against the spread of far-right ideologies.
• Canada: Trump’s comments about “taking” Canada have ignited outrage, prompting protests across Canadian cities as citizens reject any notion of such aggression.
• Mexico: Protesters in Mexico City are standing up for immigrants and against policies that threaten human rights in the Americas.
• Scandinavia: In Sweden and Denmark, anti-authoritarian rallies highlight the global stakes of America’s current political trajectory.
Why aren’t Americans hearing about this?
The mainstream media in the U.S. has remained almost silent on these protests, leaving many unaware of the solidarity and alarm being voiced worldwide. Even platforms like TikTok, despite its global reach, have seen limited reporting on the unrest since its return to U.S. users.
A call to action
We can no longer afford to remain silent or disconnected. As authoritarianism looms and echoes of history grow louder, it’s up to all of us to:
• Educate ourselves and others about the parallels between today’s political climate and historic authoritarian movements.
• Amplify the voices of those standing against these dangerous ideologies, both here and abroad.
• Take action in our communities, voting, organizing, and protecting the most vulnerable among us, before it’s too late.
The world is watching, and the world is standing with us. But as history has shown, waiting for others to act is not enough. It’s time to ask ourselves: What are we doing today to ensure that tomorrow’s America remains a land of freedom, justice, and democracy? If we don’t stand now, we may not get another chance.
Arlynn Jones, Owensville
