President Donald Trump’s inauguration delivered the shock and awe we have grown accustomed to during his election campaigns and last presidency.

The flashy decorations, cheering and sea of Trump memorabilia felt more like a concert or celebrity meet-and-greet than a formal celebration of a nation’s leader.

Trump’s early executive orders echo the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, even though he had previously tried to distance himself from it.

After the inauguration, he signed multiple executive orders, including trying to eliminate birthright citizenship, leaving the World Health Organization, withdrawing from the Paris Climate Agreement, freezing federal government hiring and closing its DEI offices.

More orders are looming, but for now, Trump has done exactly what he said he would do, dismantle America’s normal governing systems.

One of the major concerns people have is how their individual rights will be impacted and whether the Supreme Court will uphold the Constitution, which has been in effect for 236 years.

Most people are sick of the constant bombardment of news online and on TV because of constant breaking news. Others want to stay informed but are overwhelmed and would rather check out if possible.

Undocumented immigrant and transgender communities are also feeling the repercussions of the latest orders. Cities across the country already see the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers conducting raids, leaving many nervous about what the future holds for them and their families. Transgender military members wait on news about their jobs after Trump revoked former President Joe Biden’s policy of allowing transgender and LGBTQ+ people to join the military.

The fear, anxiety and anger are palpable in many communities directly impacted by these decisions. On the other hand, Trump supporters are happy with the changes they see while still waiting for the price of eggs to drop.

Throughout his campaign, Trump clearly stated that these orders and changes would be part of the plan if he was elected. Now that he has been, people shouldn’t be shocked that he followed through.

Turning a blind eye may work for some. For others, these new executive orders are immediate life threats, such as the reversal of Biden’s order lowering prescription prices, something that will impact lower-income individuals who are already dealing with a high cost of living.

The Trump administration also limited federal public health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s communication to the public.

After leaving the WHO, Americans are left in the dark when it comes to new and ongoing public health threats such as COVID-19 and the bird flu.

On social media, people are building community, mobilizing to protect their rights and creating healthy habits so they don’t get burned out by the administration’s constant news cycle.

At the end of the day, we all have to live here. The fact people are using community building as a way to cope and contribute to the betterment of society should be applauded and broadcast more than the hateful and damaging rhetoric from politicians and oligarchs.

The goal of shock and awe is to paralyze you. People can’t keep the faith and stay hopeful if they are constantly in fight or flight. True community is based on protecting those in harm’s way and using your voice to push back.