Defending Democracy Without Fear

Why We Must Stay in the Fight Against Extremism and Intimidation

I just spent four days in New York with my family for the opening of "The Last Republican," multiple CNN appearances, and a spot last night on Colbert. Everywhere I went, people came up to me and said, "Thank you." And as always, I deeply appreciate that. But one question kept coming up again and again: "What’s next? What do we do now?"

I wish I had a simple answer to that question—or at least a better one. We’re all feeling overwhelmed in this moment. Today’s headlines—whether it’s Greenland, Panama, or the deeply disturbing rhetoric coming from Donald Trump—only add to the weight. His relentless blame-shifting, pointing the finger at America and NATO for Russia’s aggression, is the kind of absurdity that would, in saner times, spark serious discussions about invoking the 25th Amendment. But here’s the catch: He’s not even back in office yet.

I won’t pretend there’s a magic solution, a quick fix to reset everything or wake up from this nightmare as though it never happened. Because it did happen. And we’re living in it.

The fight now is to stay in the fight. The temptation to walk away, to give up, to let the weight of it all break us down into despair is real—and I feel it too, at times. But we can’t give in to that. I want to remind you that you’re not alone. There are countless people who feel the same frustration, the same concern, and yes, the same exhaustion. And in some strange way, knowing we’re in this together can be its own kind of strength.

The key is to sustain our energy and find the victories where we can. The extremist MAGA movement is in full view, and I am more convinced than ever that it will eventually collapse under its own toxicity, tearing itself apart in the process. We have to be there when it does, standing strong with our values intact.

And let me be clear: I do not want to be targeted for my work on January 6—but I absolutely, without a shred of doubt, WILL NOT be intimidated. Intimidation is the most dangerous tool used to force compliance and silence dissent, and I refuse to comply. If Donald Trump wants to tango, I’ll be happy to remind the world that his weak, timid, scared self, sat and watched with glee as the Capitol was attacked. Our work is bulletproof, and I’ll stand solidly behind it all day. We will stand tall. We will remain ready, willing, and able to defend this nation for as long as it takes.

The answer to the question of “what do we do now” is simple, though maybe not satisfying: we keep going. Thank you for standing with me. My experience at the airport this week was a powerful reminder that we are far from alone. Let’s continue this fight together. Let’s keep pushing. Let’s defend our democracy—because it’s worth it.