My Letter for America

Photo by AussieActive on Unsplash

This weekend feels eerily calm, like the last breath before the storm. But make no mistake: dark days are ahead, and many of us will be shaken out of our deceptive normalcy. Trump’s return isn’t just politics as usual—it’s the beginning of something far more dangerous. He will waste no time unleashing chaos and pain, doing the most outrageous and unthinkable things right out of the gate to desensitize us and overwhelm people into apathy or silence. We’re about to witness a level of turmoil that many Americans have never experienced. And yet, I urge you: don’t give up.

My parents fled the Soviet Union, a system built on repression, corruption, and the total absence of individual freedom. Over the centuries, Russians oscillated between apathy and a sense of imperialist superiority. This toxic mix paved the way for someone like Putin—and the many brutal leaders before him—to rise unchecked.

But not everyone submits to dictatorship, as Ukraine has shown. Ukraine has fought back with revolutions, enduring over a decade of Russia’s genocidal invasion and daily bombardments in its relentless struggle for survival, freedom, and democracy. Despite this, Ukrainians continue to exhibit extraordinary courage, determination, and resilience in their fight to decide their own future. The people of Georgia are rising up, refusing to quietly surrender their freedoms, while Moldovans have worked tirelessly to secure their democratic future. These nations are not just resisting—they are inspiring the world with their unwavering resolve and commitment to freedom.

We can and must do the same. America is not immune to the fate of countries that slide into dictatorship. Many ask me if Trump will leave office.

The question is not whether Trump will leave office; the question is how far we will let him go.

History has shown that authoritarian leaders will take as much as people allow.

Let me be blunt: Trump is stronger than ever. He is emboldened, unrestrained, and ready to destroy anyone or anything that stands in his way. His return will be swift, vengeful, and brutal. Institutions will most likely buckle. The media will continue to face immense pressure to comply, whitewashing his actions or failing to report on them altogether. Disinformation will flood every platform, leaving many feeling suffocated.

I won’t sugarcoat this: many Americans will have to feel the full weight of authoritarianism before they understand what’s been lost. Some may wake up too late. But half of this country still believes in democracy and the promise of America.

Yes, we are far from perfect, but democracy allows us to continue improving. Even some Trump voters—those swayed by his lies about safety, the economy, and the border—may one day come to realize they’ve been deceived.

The fight will be exhausting, and you will feel overwhelmed. That’s okay. Take a break when you need to, but don’t stay away too long. Build a network of people you trust—friends, neighbors, and community members—and lean on them when the burden feels heavy.

I still believe in this country, even as we stand on the brink of losing democracy. America has a history of resilience. In our darkest moments, the generations before us have risen to the challenge. I believe we will do it again. It will take time, but I truly believe we will correct the course. But we cannot afford to give in.

Stay united. Stay informed. Stay in the fight. Democracy isn’t something we inherit—it’s something we earn, over and over again. I’m here for that fight. I hope you are too!