After just a few weeks we can see clearly how Mr. Trump’s “Art of the Deal” works. His so-called “art” relies not on the power of compromise, but on threats — what we should really recognize as “The Art of the Bully.”

His bullying has been evident in every aspect of his blitz. Threaten huge tariffs to bring neighboring governments into line. Threaten firings if employees don’t take the deal. Threaten to cut off federal funds if DEI programs aren’t canceled. Threaten to challenge a dissenting senator if he doesn’t get in line.

And the list goes on.

The threats reach into nearly every aspect of American life. Cancer research was cancelled. Immigrants in hiding, not showing up for their critical jobs in agriculture, hospitality, construction. Under-represented groups threatened. American diplomacy in shreds.

What can an ordinary person do? To answer that question I went to Chat GPT. Here’s the advice offered by AI. I asked “What can an ordinary person do to stand up to the bullying of the Trump administration?”

From ChatGPT:

“Standing up to the perceived bullying of the Trump administration involves proactive engagement in various forms of civic participation and support for vulnerable communities. Here are several actions an individual can take:

Stay informed and support independent media: Regularly follow reputable news sources to stay updated on policy changes and governmental actions. Supporting independent journalism helps maintain a free press, which is crucial for a functioning democracy.

Participate in peaceful protests and demonstrations: Engaging in organized, non-violent protests can draw attention to issues and demonstrate public dissent against policies perceived as unjust.

Support legal challenges against unconstitutional actions: Contributing to organizations that file lawsuits against unlawful governmental actions can help uphold constitutional rights. For example, Protect Democracy has been involved in litigation defending First Amendment rights.

Defend marginalized communities: Offer support to communities targeted by discriminatory policies, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and racial minorities. This can include volunteering, donating to relevant organizations, or providing direct assistance.

Engage in local politics: Advocate for local policies that protect vulnerable populations and promote democratic values. This can involve attending city council meetings, supporting progressive candidates, or initiating community programs.

Practice everyday acts of resistance: Small, consistent actions, such as challenging discriminatory remarks, supporting those who are targeted, and promoting inclusivity in daily interactions, contribute to a culture of resistance against authoritarianism.

Encourage workplace solidarity: Support efforts to unionize and protect workers’ rights, as collective bargaining can serve as a counterbalance to oppressive policies.

Maintain personal well-being: Engaging in activism can be emotionally taxing. It’s essential to practice self-care, seek support when needed, and find joy to sustain long-term involvement.

By taking these steps, individuals can contribute to a collective effort to uphold democratic principles and counteract policies they perceive as bullying or unjust.”

It took ChatGPT less than 30 seconds to develop this list. And each point was supported by citations of the source. I like the list because it offers both actions that can be taken, and also advice that can help us all as individuals cope with the assaults on our freedom being leveled by this new autocratic government.

It will be a while before we know the full impact of his threats. Many are being challenged in the courts, by both Democrats and activist organizations like the ACLU. In the meantime, that last point about well-being may be the most important right now. If you, like me, are deeply worried and disturbed about the barrage of threats, remember the advice I got from the ACLU — “Don’t react to the thunder, it may not bring a storm.”

Do you have a point you’d like to make or an issue you feel strongly about? Submit a letter to the editor or a guest column.