We must resist Trump. The roughly three months of his second term have confirmed what was clear before the election: Trump is unfit to be President. He is governing as a mob boss, on the basis of “might makes right,” tearing down the rule of law. Trump’s model here is clearly Putin in a style of government that Max Weber famously called Patrimonialism.

For the avoidance of doubt: the reason to oppose Trump are not his stated policy goals. We need changes in regulation and bureaucracy so that we can build (transmission lines, railroads, etc.). We need to clamp down on illegal immigration. We need to rebuild US industrial production. Much of what the administration talks about are real problems that require fixing. These issues are what attracted a lot of people to support Trump in the first place. Democracy is all about the non-violent transfer of power to a different set of policies.

The urgent need to resist Trump rests entirely on his approach to governing. The ends do not justify the means when the means involve tearing down the foundations of our system. The due process clauses of the Constitution must be adhered to. The judiciary must remain independent. Contractual obligations must be upheld.

Instead the modus operandi of Trump is: apply pressure then make deals for personal/family/crony/sycophant (collectively a clan) gains. That is the essence of Patrimonialism. Put pressure on law firms and cut deals to do pro bono work for clan causes. Throw up tariffs to strike deals for clan benefits (use temporary reversals for clan financial gain). Reward clan media with access. Fill major positions with loyalists who put the patron above all else. Every one of these steps increases clan loyalty while hollowing out the system.  This was of course exactly how Trump had run his real estate firm. His utter disdain for institutions, including the rule of law, was also on display during his first term and in particular during his disgraceful attempt at clinging to power.

Patriomonialism always goes hand in hand with corruption and ultimately results in failed states. At a time of great challenges and opportunities for the US and the world at large, we cannot afford for the country to descend into corrupt incompetence.

So what is to be done? First, do not give in to Trump’s pressure (as sadly many of the big law firms have). China didn’t cave to tariffs, and Trump has been rescinding them. Support individuals and organizations that are upholding and defending the law. Call out those who continue to make excuses for Trump’s corruption or have gone silent now that he’s in power. In the VC and startup world we should be asking a lot of people about their stance starting with Marc Andreessen and Peter Thiel.

Second, support politicians who are speaking out in both parties. Call upon your representatives whether Democrat or Republican to oppose Trump’s dismantling of our system of democracy. Vote in your local and state elections for candidates who are committed to the foundations of democracy. Effective opposition can only come from people who haven’t been in power for decades and are responsible for many of the messes we are finding ourselves in today. Ask the old guard that has failed on so many counts to resign. I am therefore calling on Senator Schumer to resign (for reasons see my post detailing failures of the Democrats).

Third, participate in a high-rung dialog aimed at creating a positive vision for the United States that’s rooted in an honest search for answers to the difficult problems we face, including the massive debt crisis. Rise above the tribal morass into which we have descended where everything is reduced to “if you are not with us you are against us.” Especially if you are someone with a public following, you have a moral obligation to speak up. I have already written a lot about ideas for a transition out of the industrial age here on Continuations and in my book the World After Capital. More to come.