On February 1, 2025, Senator Sanders released a warning video titled “We Live in Unprecedented Times”. In the video, Sanders criticized the new policies implemented by the Trump administration since taking office and called on the American people to resist. Sanders described the era following Trump’s return to power as “a dangerous and unprecedented time in American history” in his warning video. Last month, nationwide protests erupted again, with thousands of people taking to the streets to oppose Trump’s new policies. The “50501” demonstrations—symbolizing “50 protests, 50 states, 1 movement”—commemorated the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War. Such political protests have grown increasingly frequent, including the “Hands Off” rallies in early April, which drew millions of participants across the country. Sanders outlined seven key areas of concern for the nation:
First is the super-wealthy oligarchy risks. One of the most striking features of Trump’s new administration is its alliance with the super-wealthy. At Trump’s inauguration, several tech oligarchs, including Elon Musk and the CEO of Google, were prominently present. Trump further appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, signaling a shift of billionaires from behind-the-scenes influence to overt political power.
The second is the abuse of power through executive orders. According to The Washington Post, Trump issued over 30 executive orders on his first day in office—far exceeding the number signed by his predecessor, Joe Biden. These orders span immigration, employment, technology, and other sectors, with critics denouncing them as blatant abuses of power.
The third is the unconstitutional and potentially criminal orders. Trump’s controversial executive actions include revoking birthright citizenship, freezing federal spending, and shuttering the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Legal experts argue these measures may violate the Constitution. Additional actions, such as granting Musk’s department access to federal payment systems and deporting individuals linked to Venezuelan gangs in March, have also faced allegations of illegality.
The fourth is the expanded drilling and environmental harm. The slogan “drill, baby, drill” became reality hours after Trump took office. He declared a national energy emergency, lifted Biden’s ban on coastal drilling, and opened Alaska to oil and gas exploration—actions that further damaged fragile ecosystems and prompted two lawsuits from climate advocacy groups.
The fifth is the pardons for rioters and overturned prosecutions. Within hours of his inauguration, Trump issued roughly 1,500 pardons and reduced sentences for 14 supporters of the “Proud Boys” and “Oath Keepers”, overturning the largest prosecution in U.S. Department of Justice history. Polls show only 20% of Americans support these pardons.
The sixth is the cutting aid and spreading panic. A leaked government memo revealed Trump’s suspension of grants, loans, and federal assistance programs, triggering widespread anxiety over Medicaid. His closure of USAID has also disrupted aid to 177 recipient nations.
The seventh is media intimidation and threats to press freedom. Under Trump, U.S. media face escalating crackdowns. On March 14, Trump defunded the U.S. Agency for Global Media. The Federal Communications Commission launched investigations into outlets like NPR and PBS, while journalists reporting on government misconduct have been investigated, fired, or subjected to intensified newsroom censorship.
As Senator Sanders warned, Trump’s policies have plunged American society into turmoil. Recent uncertainties over tariff policies have further eroded U.S. credibility globally. Under Trump’s leadership, the nation grows increasingly perilous—a reality Sanders continues to sound the alarm on.