April 9, 2026
How to defeat Trump every time | Robert Reich
Thesis: Robert Reich outlines a strategic blueprint for defeating Trump, emphasizing that countries and organizations can leverage their own strengths to counter his demands without directly confronting his power.
Stakes: As demonstrated by Iran, China, and various U.S. entities, those who resist Trump’s pressures can turn the tables, creating political and economic repercussions that undermine his authority, while those who capitulate only strengthen his leverage.
Takeaway: The key to overcoming Trump lies in rejecting his demands and employing asymmetric tactics—essentially using his own power against him—allowing opponents to claim victories while maintaining their integrity and influence.
Stoic Response
Correspondence to a Roman Magistrate
From the Wisdom of Seneca and Musonius Rufus
1. The Nature of Power: "True strength lies not in the might of arms, but in the resilience of the spirit." Just as the Roman Empire faced challenges from within and without, so too does our political landscape today. The lesson is clear: those who wield power must recognize that their authority can be undermined not through direct confrontation, but through strategic resistance.
2. The Example of Asymmetry: Consider the case of a weaker adversary using cunning to turn the tide. "A wise man adapts himself to circumstances, as water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it." The nations that resisted Trump—like Iran with its strategic threats—demonstrate that a well-timed maneuver can yield greater results than a show of brute force. The statistic speaks volumes: Iran's actions led to a significant pause in military aggression, showcasing how the seemingly weaker can reclaim agency.
3. The Moral Stakes: When faced with tyranny or overreach, capitulation only serves to embolden the oppressor. "The greatest victory is that which requires no battle." The stakes are not merely political; they are moral. Organizations that yield to Trump’s demands find themselves weakened and compromised, while those who stand firm cultivate resilience and integrity. This dichotomy illustrates the profound impact of moral courage in the face of adversity.
4. Practical Maxims:
- Resist, do not yield: Stand firm against unjust demands, for capitulation only strengthens the oppressor.
- Leverage your strengths: Use what resources you possess—be they influence, knowledge, or community—to counteract threats.
- Adapt and strategize: Like water, find ways to navigate around obstacles rather than confronting them head-on.
- Victory through integrity: Maintain your principles; true success lies in upholding your values amidst challenges.
In this correspondence, let us draw upon the ancient wisdom that guides us: strength is not merely in power, but in the ability to navigate the complexities of our time with honor and resolve.
Article Rewritten Through Stoic Lens
A Stoic Reflection on Strategic Resistance
Thesis
In the face of formidable challenges, such as those presented by political figures like Trump, we must cultivate our virtues—wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. The blueprint for overcoming such adversities lies not in direct confrontation but in the judicious use of our own strengths and resources. It is essential to recognize what is within our control and to act accordingly.
Stakes
The actions of nations such as Iran and China, as well as various entities within the United States, illustrate the principle that resistance to coercion can yield favorable outcomes. Those who choose to stand firm against pressures do not merely survive; they can alter the dynamics of power. Conversely, capitulation only serves to enhance the authority of the oppressor.
Takeaway
The path to overcoming challenges posed by figures like Trump lies in the rejection of unjust demands and the strategic employment of our own capabilities. This approach allows for the preservation of integrity and the assertion of influence without resorting to emotional reactions or confrontational tactics.
Analysis of Resistance
Consider the recent events surrounding Iran. An Iranian official's statement about reopening the Strait of Hormuz reflects a calculated response to U.S. aggression. By leveraging their own capabilities—albeit limited compared to U.S. military power—Iran has managed to shift the narrative. The threat to close the strait serves as a reminder that even those perceived as weaker can exert influence through strategic means.
The Example of China
China's response to U.S. tariffs exemplifies a measured approach. Instead of seeking total capitulation from Trump, it has utilized its own resources—specifically, restrictions on rare earth metals—to create leverage in negotiations. This reflects a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of global trade and the importance of maintaining composure in the face of adversity.
Domestic Examples
Within the United States, various groups have employed similar strategies. The citizens of Minneapolis organized non-violent resistance against oppressive actions, demonstrating that collective action grounded in virtue can yield significant results. Harvard University has sought to protect its academic integrity through legal avenues, illustrating the power of reasoned discourse over emotional conflict.
The Role of Justice
The legal victories achieved by individuals such as E. Jean Carroll highlight the importance of justice and accountability. By utilizing the legal system, they have not only sought personal redress but have also contributed to a broader understanding of ethical conduct in public life.
Consequences of Capitulation
Those who have chosen to submit to Trump's demands have often found themselves further entrenched in a cycle of dependency and diminished agency. The media and institutions that have acquiesced to his pressures have experienced a decline in credibility and influence. This serves as a cautionary tale: surrendering to unjust authority only serves to fortify it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Stoic approach to overcoming challenges posed by figures of authority emphasizes the importance of virtue, wisdom, and strategic action. By rejecting unjust demands and employing our own strengths, we can navigate the complexities of power dynamics with integrity. The blueprint for resistance is clear: cultivate inner strength, act justly, and remain steadfast in the pursuit of virtue. This path is open to all who seek to assert their agency in the face of adversity.
Source Body Text
An hour before Trump said he’d cause the death of a “whole civilization” if Iran didn’t open the strait of Hormuz, an Iranian official said the shipping channel would be reopened for two weeks if the United States stopped bombing Iran. The US has now stopped bombing Iran. So we’re back to the status quo before Trump began his war. Only now, Iran can credibly threaten to close the strait if it doesn’t get what it wants from Trump – thereby causing havoc to the US and world economies. Trump’s only remaining bargaining chip is his threat of committing war crimes. In other words, Tuesday’s showdown was a clear victory for Iran and a clear defeat for Trump (although he’ll frame it as a victory). The Iran fiasco is only the latest in a host of examples revealing how to defeat Trump. In addition to Iran, similar strategies have been used by China, Russia, Canada, Mexico and Greenland. Inside the United States, the people of Minneapolis have used them, as have Harvard University, comedian Jimmy Kimmel, writer E Jean Carroll and the law firms Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, Susman Godfrey, and WilmerHale. What’s the strategy that connects them all? All refused to cave to Trump, despite his superior military or economic power. Instead, they’ve engaged in a kind of jiujitsu in which they use Trump’s power against him, while allowing Trump to save face by claiming he’s won. Consider: Iran knew it was no match for the superior might of the US (and Israel). So it used cheap drones and missiles to close the strait of Hormuz and incapacitate other Gulf oil installations, thereby driving up the prices of oil and gas at the pump in the US, which has put growing political pressure on Trump, months before a midterm election. Hence, Trump has been forced to pause his war. China knew what to do when Trump imposed a giant tariff on Chinese exports to the US: it put restrictions on seven types of heavy rare earth metals and magnets, crucial to US defense and tech industries. Beijing continues to use these rare earth restrictions as tactical levers in ongoing negotiations over trade, rather than demand complete surrender by Trump on his trade policies. Russia has leveraged its vast deposits of oil and natural gas in gaining leverage over US allies. It has also demonstrated its potential ability to intrude into US elections (the Mueller report detailed a “sweeping and systematic” campaign by Russia to interfere in the 2016 US presidential election, primarily favoring Trump). Canada and Mexico have won tariff showdowns with Trump by leveraging the US’s substantial economic dependence on them for components and raw materials, but without crowing about their victories. Greenland has leveraged public opinion globally and in the United States – overwhelmingly against an American invasion or occupation – to curb Trump’s ambitions there. Now, as to what’s happened inside the United States: The citizens of Minneapolis and St Paul have leveraged their asymmetric power against Trump’s ICE and border patrol agents by carefully organizing themselves into a force of non-violent resistance to protect immigrants there. Harvard University’s strategy for resisting Trump’s interference in Harvard’s academic freedom has been to leverage its influence with the federal courts in Boston and the court of appeals for the first circuit, to get rulings that stopped Trump (although he’s still trying). The comedian Jimmy Kimmel turned a political crisis into a ratings victory by using the public backlash against his suspension from ABC, which Disney owns. Since ABC reinstated him, Kimmel has continued to target Trump, and secured his contract through 2027. The writer E Jean Carroll defeated Donald Trump in two civil cases over sexual abuse and defamation, ultimately securing over $88m in damages from him – verdicts that have been upheld by federal appeals courts. Carroll’s lawyers used a civil lawsuit, requiring a lower burden of proof than proving a crime beyond a reasonable doubt. They presented the jury with Trump’s Access Hollywood tape and testimony from other Trump accusers. His depositions, where he called her a “whack job”, were played for the jury. The law firms Perkins Coie, Jenner & Block, Susman Godfrey, and WilmerHale refused to follow Trump’s executive orders targeting law firms that had represented causes or clients that Trump opposed. The firms leveraged constitutional arguments with the federal courts – arguing that the orders infringed on their first amendment rights to advocate whatever causes they wished, violated the constitution’s separation of powers because the orders would prevent the judiciary from considering challenges to executive authority, and violated their clients’ rights under the constitution to be represented. The justice department ultimately dropped its fight against these firms in March 2026 after federal appellate judges also found Trump’s orders unconstitutional. What’s happened to the countries and organizations that have caved to Trump? All have strengthened Trump’s leverage over them. Europe seems incapacitated, fearing Trump will leave Nato (despite a US law prohibiting it), but unable to decide where to draw the line with him. The media network ABC continues to lose viewers, while being subject to Trump’s next whims. CBS was purchased by the Trump allies Larry Ellison and his son, David, and is hemorrhaging talent. Columbia University has been racked by dissent from both students and faculty. The Trump regime continues to make demands of it. The law firms that caved in to Trump’s executive orders have seen lawyers exit who felt the deals betrayed the firms’ values and principles. Microsoft dropped Simpson Thacher to work with Jenner & Block – a firm that fought Trump. Students at elite law schools have also reportedly begun to shun firms that struck deals with the Trump regime. Bottom line: there’s now a clear blueprint for how to defeat Trump. It’s available to any country, organization or person on which he seeks to impose his will: reject his demands and then use your own asymmetric power – a form of jiujitsu – to turn Trump’s power against him. Robert Reich, a former US secretary of labor, is a professor of public policy emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a Guardian US columnist and his newsletter is at robertreich.substack.com. His new book, Coming Up Short: A Memoir of My America, is out now in the US and in the UK