Since inauguration day, Elon Musk and Donald Trump have worked to dismantle the basic functions of our government to enrich themselves and their wealthy friends. They’ve gutted essential programs by illegally firing workers and freezing funds. They’ve moved to empower billionaires and corporations with deregulation and tax breaks. 

This is an oligarchic group that will benefit the rich and endanger our food, water, and health. And their allies in Congress are working to enshrine this all into law.

But as Food & Water Action turns 20 this year, we’re commemorating two decades of experience protecting our food, water, and climate. We’ve been up against moneyed interests, corporate power, and long odds before — and we’ve won.

Here’s what you need to know about month one of the Musk-Trump administration, and how you can take action with us.

The Musk-Trump Coup Threatens Our Food, Water, and Climate

Trump’s stated agenda was bad enough. Now, he’s empowered Musk, the richest man on Earth, to take over and shut down entire federal agencies. 

Together, Musk and Trump have moved to fire hundreds of thousands of federal workers and encouraged more to resign. That includes those charged with food inspection, water safety, and public health research — especially disturbing as bird flu’s threat to our food and human health grows.

Their funding freezes have kneecapped essential projects and programs. Already, they’ve paused projects to remove toxic lead and asbestos from communities. They’re forcing companies and nonprofits that receive federal funding to lay off staff. They’re taking away childcare and healthcare. 

In gutting the federal government’s basic functions, Musk and Trump are laying the groundwork for privatization. If their efforts continue, we can expect huge sell-offs of our public services and resources to benefit Musk and Trump’s wealthy friends.

Moreover, the Musk-Trump administration is gunning for more deregulation and fast-tracking polluting projects. They’re even going after the National Environmental Protection Act, our bedrock environmental protection law. They’re working to ensure that billionaire CEOs will get their profits faster — while the rest of us choke on more pollution.

Republican Extremists in Congress Work to Codify the Musk-Trump Agenda

Many of Musk-Trump’s actions — like their mass layoffs and dismantling of agencies — are illegal. Yet, Congressional Republican leadership is working to codify their agenda into law. 

Most recently, they’re working to fast-track permanent funding cuts through a budget reconciliation bill. In their first proposal, House Republicans have suggested up to $4.5 trillion in handouts for corporations and billionaires, and $2 trillion in cuts for basic services to American families. That potentially includes $230 billion in cuts to food assistance programs alone. 

Their plan also endangers food safety programs that prevent foodborne illnesses, agencies that prevent dangerous disease, funding for clean water projects, and more. This directly endangers people’s lives.

To be clear, House Republicans want to cut off food, healthcare, and other essentials for families to deliver more profits to the wealthy. The world they want to create will be more unhealthy, unaffordable, and unequal.

4 Things You Can Do Right Now

Though our situation is dire, we are far from powerless. In fact, the Musk-Trump agenda is unpopular with vast swaths of the American public. We can join together to fight these threats to our health, communities, and our very democracy. There are so many things you can do right now, and we’re already making progress.

1. Pressure Vulnerable Republicans to Stand Up For Their Constituents

Because of Republicans’ razor-thin majority in the House, getting just three lawmakers to vote “no” can block bills. At the same time, a handful of Republicans were elected on their own razor-thin margins last year. This makes them especially sensitive to the demands of their constituents. 

Over the next few weeks, we’re pressuring these Republicans to stand up for their constituents against Musk-Trump. 

Notably, Republicans are pushing to keep toxic lead drinking water pipes in the ground. With their H.J. Resolution 44, they’re working to rollback Biden’s Lead Out of Water Rule, which requires lead water pipe replacements nationwide.

As we saw in Flint, MI, lead exposure is a massive public health threat, especially for children. To block this rollback, we’ve flooded vulnerable Republicans with messages and phone calls. We’ve rallied outside their offices and met with their staff.

Our work is already paying off — Rep. Mike Lawler in New York has committed to oppose the rollback and protect his constituents from lead exposure. 

2. Call on Democrats to Do More and Better

While we face harrowing threats to our food, water, health, and democracy, many Democratic leaders are throwing in the towel. Senate Democrats have waved in Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Few have committed to using every tool in their toolbox to oppose the Musk-Trump agenda.

In February, House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “What leverage do we have? Republicans have repeatedly lectured America — they control the House, the Senate and the presidency. It’s their government.”

This defeatist attitude is paving the way for more abuse from Musk-Trump and their allies. So we’re rallying across the country — including in Jeffries’ own district — to demand that Democrats join us in fervently opposing them. Democrats must use every lever possible to slow and block this takeover.

That includes stopping the devastating budget cuts House Republicans are pushing. Over the past few weeks, our supporters and volunteers have sent 20,000 messages to lawmakers urging them to take a stand against these budget cuts. You can join us!

3. Seize Opportunities for Progress at the State and Local Level

While Musk-Trump are wreaking havoc at the federal level, we have many opportunities for state and local change right now. We can join local organizations, push for positive policies and projects, and counter the Musk-Trump agenda in our communities.

For example, in several states, we’re fighting for Climate Superfund bills. These bills would require the corporations most responsible for climate pollution to pay their fair share toward adaptation and disaster recovery. Passing state Climate Superfund legislation is a huge opportunity to counter the big giveaways Musk and Trump are pushing at the federal level.

We’ve already helped pass one Climate Superfund Act in New York. Now, we’re working to pass them in California, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and beyond. 

4. Prepare for 2026 to Take Back the House

By taking back the House in the 2026 midterms, we can block the Musk-Trump agenda even more effectively. We’re already seeing polling that shows their policies (namely, giveaways for the rich and the shuttering of social programs) are deeply unpopular, even amongst Trump voters.

Midterm elections are historically unpopular for the president’s party (part of the reason why our Democratic victories in 2022 were so important!). In the coming months, we’re doing intense analysis on swing districts, to see where Food & Water Action can be most effective in helping to flip the House. And we’re growing our network of allies and volunteers to expand our get-out-the-vote efforts.

Through 2026 and beyond, we’ll be going all in on candidates who prioritize fighting corporate greed and defending our shared resources, like affordable food and safe water. This is a winning position. The truth is, voters want safe food, clean water, and economic fairness. Not more power for billionaires.

By spreading the word and getting more voters to the polls, we can turn the tide for Democrats and disempower Musk-Trump. Stay tuned for more information and ways you can get involved!

It’s Up to Us to Defend Our Food, Water, Climate, and Democracy

The past few weeks of chaos have shown us that we can’t wait for Democratic leadership to forge the path ahead. Instead, we can and must join with others who care just as much about the future of our country and planet.

Luckily, as we’ve seen at Food & Water Action, there is no shortage of allies. Thousands of volunteers and tens of thousands of supporters have joined us. Many, many more are joining the wider progressive movement resisting Musk-Trump.

By starting with just one of the actions above, you can join the movement. And we hope you join us for more! With you, we can show up, speak out, and protect our food, water, and climate for the long haul. Our vision goes far beyond a single administration. We will get through this together, fighting to protect our communities against corporate greed, and come out stronger on the other side.