Silence is Not an Option: The Call to Action for Artists Under the Trump Administration

As we face the next four years under the Trump administration, artists are confronted with a landscape that is increasingly hostile to creative expression and the protection of marginalized voices. The broader sociopolitical environment has shifted dramatically, with policies that actively undermine diversity, inclusion, and free speech. As an artist and historian, the dual responsibility of creating art that speaks truth to power while safeguarding the integrity of our shared cultural and intellectual heritage has never been more urgent. Artists, through their unique position in society, hold the power to resist these threats and influence both the present and the future. We stand at a pivotal moment where the necessity of using art as a form of protest is not only an option; it is a moral obligation.

I have always believed in the transformative power of art, its ability to heal and to illuminate, to expose, to provoke, and to hold a mirror up to society’s deepest contradictions. As a historian, I have witnessed how art has shaped both the cultural and political narratives of societies throughout time. I have studied how artists from past centuries responded to political oppression, social unrest, and cultural upheaval, and I cannot help but draw parallels between their struggles and our own. Today, we face an administration that seeks to undermine the very principles that support creative freedom. We must act, and we must act now.

Carrey, Greedzilla

The Trump administration has consistently undermined the arts and culture, presenting clear and present threats to creative freedom. Perhaps one of the most alarming challenges has been the continuous attempt to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that have been built up over the last several decades. The executive orders targeting DEI programs, such as the one aimed at eliminating “un-American” ideas like critical race theory from government and educational institutions, have had profound consequences for marginalized communities who rely on these efforts for representation and equity. For artists, these moves are a direct attack on the kind of inclusivity and dialogue that have shaped much of our work. As we all know, art thrives in spaces that celebrate diversity and encourage new perspectives. When these spaces are eradicated, the very basis of our work is threatened.

The Trump administration’s disregard for marginalized communities has been further demonstrated in its attempts to defund public cultural institutions, particularly the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). The repeated budget cuts proposed by Trump would gut crucial funding for arts programs nationwide, depriving artists, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, of the resources they need to create, exhibit, and share their work with the world. When the government fails to invest in cultural and intellectual production, it silences dissent and removes critical voices from the public sphere.

The administration's actions are indicative of a broader strategy to weaken the foundational principles of democracy. Public art, free speech, and academic inquiry all serve as pillars of a functioning, healthy society, and these pillars are under direct attack. The implications are dire not only for the arts but also for the health of our democracy.

Despite these looming threats, artists have a rich legacy of resistance through creative expression. We are not without agency, and we must find innovative ways to fight back. In the face of political repression and cultural silencing, we can and should use our work to resist. Below are some ways in which artists can respond to the challenges of the next four years under Trump.

Art has historically been a powerful tool for protest and resistance. It serves as a form of communication that transcends the barriers of language, culture, and time. We, as artists, have the responsibility to create work that reflects the world around us, especially in times of injustice. We must engage with the political climate and bring forward narratives that challenge the status quo. Art that addresses inequality, human rights, and social justice will resonate deeply with audiences, urging them to confront uncomfortable truths about society.

For example, the "Not Normal: Art in the Age of Trump" exhibition, a powerful demonstration of artistic resistance to the administration, provides a vivid example of how art can be a form of protest. This exhibit, which highlighted artists responding to Trump’s policies, used visual storytelling to amplify the voices of those marginalized by the current regime. As an artist, I feel a sense of duty to participate in this kind of cultural resistance. Art has the capacity to expose the corruption of power, shine light on injustices, and give a voice to those whose lives and stories are too often ignored.

Artists can also create works in public spaces that disrupt the ordinary. Street art, murals, and other forms of public art engage everyday people and draw them into conversations they might otherwise avoid. Public art has always been a way to confront the public directly with the truths that are often hidden in plain sight. This is particularly urgent now, when the government is attempting to erase history and silence critical voices.

In addition to creating work that protests the current administration, artists should also actively engage in direct action. The Women's March in 2017 stands as a powerful example of how artists can use their visibility and influence to fuel political change. By participating in protests and demonstrations, artists can add their voices to a larger chorus of resistance. Our art does not live in isolation; it can be a catalyst for mobilization.

Collaboration with activists and other artists is also a critical tool for resistance. Collective efforts, where artists from diverse disciplines come together to create works of activism, help to amplify the message. As someone who has worked closely with other artists and activists throughout my career, I understand the power of collaboration. In these moments of upheaval, working in unison to create art that speaks to issues of inequality, human rights, and political freedom can have a profound impact on public consciousness.

Carrey, The Great Spewdini

The digital realm offers a unique opportunity for artists to bypass traditional gatekeepers and directly communicate with a global audience. In an era where the Trump administration has sought to censor truth, digital platforms can be a place for artists to resist censorship and reclaim the narrative. Social media platforms like Instagram, Blue Sky, Threads, and YouTube are ideal spaces for artists to share their work, engage with their audience, and make a political statement.

Artists should use these platforms not only to share their art but to engage in discourse about the challenges they face under the current political climate. By using digital tools, we can create campaigns that spread awareness of policies affecting the arts, challenge censorship, and amplify the voices of those most marginalized. In a time when truth is under attack, the digital space becomes a vital venue for truth-telling, education, and advocacy.

Political engagement remains one of the most direct ways artists can fight for creative freedom. It is not enough to simply create art that speaks to our political views; we must actively engage in advocacy for policies that protect the arts and defend our right to free expression. This includes lobbying for the protection of arts funding, supporting policies that foster inclusivity and diversity, and engaging in campaigns to preserve the freedom of the press and public expression.

Additionally, voting is perhaps the most basic yet powerful way artists can resist the erosion of rights. As history has shown, oppressive regimes often rise through voter suppression and disenfranchisement. The next four years will be a critical period for defending democratic institutions. As artists, we must use our platforms and influence to encourage others to vote and ensure that we have a government that supports the arts and freedoms.

As the Trump administration continues to push back against the values of inclusivity, diversity, and free expression, artists have no choice but to resist. The power of art to shape society and challenge oppressive forces is undeniable. It is our duty, as artists and as citizens, to use our work and our voices to fight for the preservation of creative freedom and democratic rights. The next four years will be difficult, but they will also be a time for us to show up, speak out, and create works that challenge the status quo. Art is resistance. Art is resilience. And art will lead the way.

References:

PEN America. President Trump’s Executive Orders Raise Red Flags for Free Expression. PEN America, 2021, www.pen.org/press-release/president-trumps-executive-orders-raise-red-flags-for-free-expression/.

Progressive. Art Activism in the Age of Trump. Progressive, 2019, www.progressive.org/latest/art-activism-in-age-of-trump-bader-201001/.

Them. Trump Administration Removes White House Websites Honoring Nex Benedict and Matthew Shepard. Them, 2020, www.them.us/story/trump-administration-removes-white-house-websites-honoring-nex-benedict-matthew-shepard.

Vox. Trump's Sweeping New Order Tries to Dismantle DEI in Government - and the Private Sector. Vox, 2020, www.vox.com/politics/396251/trump-dei-affirmative-action-executive-order.

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