In the days following election night 2024, we convened with D.C. leaders to assess how our community could respond to a Trump administration and the policy shifts outlined in Project 2025. Less than twelve days later, the Task Force launched a student‑led campaign dedicated to safeguarding D.C.’s autonomy.

Our strategy focuses on three core areas: Coordinating with D.C. organizations and coalitions to ensure students understand the implications of federal intervention in local governance. Organizing students across campuses and communities to build rapid-response infrastructure capable of responding quickly to federal actions affecting policing, education, or democratic participation. Creating clear pathways for student engagement through public education, coalition‑building, and collaboration with local leaders working to preserve Home Rule.

This work is central to our broader mission of protecting democratic institutions. Preserving D.C.’s autonomy is essential to preventing federal overreach and ensuring the District remains a place where civic participation and dissent can occur without undue federal interference. Trump has already pledged to take over aspects of DC’s governance, including federalizing the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), deploying troops in the District, and seizing control of DC’s education system.