In midst of the Second Trump Presidency, local leaders have grappled with how to respond to the administration. Many actions of the President have specifically affected Montgomery County, such as mass layoffs of federal workers and increased ICE raids. In a Democratic stronghold like Montgomery County, leaders have largely taken an approach to push back against such actions.

“Trump’s policies are creating real fear and anxiety here in Montgomery County,” said County Councilmember Evan Glass, who is a  candidate for County Executive. “Residents are worried about family separation, healthcare access, firing federal employees and climate change. I will continue to use my voice and position to fight for our diversity. I’ve responded by strengthening our local safety nets and ensuring Montgomery County remains a welcoming and inclusive home for all.”

Impacts of the President’s agenda have taken an emotional toll on locals. “There was that student at Blair who was deported, that led to walkouts,” said former Student Member of the Board of Education and Sherwood graduate Matt Post, who last month announced his candidacy for State Delegate. “Recently at Eastern Middle School, an ICE agent chased down somebody during drop-off, so witnessed by the kids. What you’re seeing is panic and concern among people.”

Such events have led the county to take precautionary measures. A planned Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration was cancelled by county officials out of fear ICE agents could raid the event. The culture of fear in the community has concerned leaders who believe defiance is necessary. Fears have been particularly high after Trump sent, or threatened to send, the national guard to several Democratic cities nationwide under the premise of cracking down on crime, and removing illegal immigrants.

“You see courage from many of our state leaders, and at the local level. The courage to take on the administration when they seek to dismantle our Democratic institutions when they rip apart our Democratic norms. If we lack that courage, then they will get away with it,” said State Delegate Joe Vogel, who encouraged further resistance in the face of national guard deployments to several metropolitan areas, and threats by the President to do the same in Maryland.

In terms of concrete action, the Maryland General Assembly has taken measures to curb the effects of several Trump initiatives leaders have deemed harmful. State Senator Craig Zucker touted the passage of legislation preventing warrantless immigration enforcement in public spaces, including schools. Zucker also noted a policy initiative to assist laid off federal workers, providing them with emergency assistance and allowing them to more easily transition to state government jobs. Such action has sparked both praise and discontent among fellow Democrats. Some contend that more needs to be done to enact genuine change.

Post believes that in addition to combatting current issues the state must prepare for the future, as a future President may enact similar policies. “Looking forward we have to diversify the economy in Maryland. Figuring out a way to continue funding our schools, and provide basic services to our residents regardless of what happens in the federal government.”

A possible push to bring in more industry to the state may be coming, with Post mentioning Maryland as a prime location for companies to relocate due to what he calls the esteemed public services the state provides, namely education and public transit. Bipartisan action has been taken within the state to protect residents, with a Joint Federal Action Oversight Committee created to monitor and respond to federal decisions that impact Maryland. However, any direct collaboration between local leaders and the Trump administration itself seems unlikely at the moment.