“We refuse to back down from the challenge that now lies before us.”

In response to the results of the 2024 election, in which Donald J. Trump was elected once again as President of the United States, Rise Economy Chief Executive Officer Paulina Gonzalez-Brito issued the following statement:

“Today marks a renewed threat to democracy, the economic stability, civil rights and well-being of Black, Indigenous and other People of Color communities here in California and across the country. Throughout his first term as POTUS, Trump and his allies sought to overturn the will of the people in a democratic election, relentlessly attacked policies designed to uplift marginalized communities, undermining hard-fought consumer protections, gutting civil rights safeguards and prioritizing Wall Street profits over the needs of working-class families. 

“His return to power promises more of the same.

“Trump’s presidency represents an open assault on the progress we’ve made toward building economic resilience in BIPOC and low-income communities. As we witnessed from 2017 to 2021, his administration approved policies that exacerbated inequality for Black, Latinx and immigrant families, and reinforced systemic barriers to wealth-building opportunities. 

“We refuse to back down from the challenge that now lies before us. We have challenged the Trump administration before, and we are prepared to do it again.

“Our mission to combat generations of systemic racial injustice and build economic resilience has never been more urgent. 

“As a member-led movement for economic justice, we are determined to protect and advance civil rights, strengthen consumer protections, and prevent policies that widen the racial wealth gap. Our members are economic first responders who stand ready to take on the threats presented by this incoming administration. 

“In light of the concerning outcome of this election, our purpose has become unmistakably clear. We will be mobilizing our members to take action in the fight for economic justice and the pursuit of a future where every California family can thrive.”