He Was Arrested for Praying at the Capitol and Shares His Views on Protesting During the Trump Era.
Rev. William Barber discusses the evolution of protest politics in the context of a second Trump presidency.
TroibNews 
Following Donald Trump's significant victory for a second term in November, widespread opinion quickly crystallized: the #Resistance movement had come to an end. There were no Women’s Marches, and the routine protests in D.C. appeared to have vanished.
However, the landscape shifted last month with the introduction of the “Hands Off” demonstrations across the nation, which attracted thousands of participants who opposed Trump's policies, Elon Musk’s DOGE cryptocurrency, and various conservative initiatives. These gatherings hinted at a potential resurgence of the anti-Trump protest culture.
Rev. William J. Barber II, a distinguished pastor-civil rights activist from North Carolina, fully embraced this revived spirit last week by getting arrested in the Capitol Rotunda while praying in opposition to Republican budget cuts.
In an interview with PMG Magazine, Barber dismissed the idea that the resistance had ever truly faded away. He views its ongoing work as a component of a long-standing movement advocating for the poor and marginalized, a struggle that has roots extending back to the abolitionist fight against slavery. This enduring movement has faced its share of challenges—ask Frederick Douglass about despair—but it continues to evolve and gain strength over time.
"Movements and resistance are built on top of one another,” Barber stated, adding, “And you don’t pit them against one another.”
Barber also addressed sentiments within the Black community suggesting that this is not the right moment for activism, advocating instead for a “fusion movement”—a diverse, interfaith grassroots coalition—as essential for effective resistance.
In addition, Barber, also directing Repairers of the Breach, a social justice organization, affirmed that prayer sessions for their “Moral Mondays” actions will persist at the Rotunda, even in his absence, as was the case this week.
“The movement will be there,” Barber expressed. “And I’ll be back.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
During the first Trump administration, the #Resistance movement was highly prominent, featuring events like the Women's March and the Black Lives Matter protests. The Poor People's Campaign, pushing for a nationwide moral resurgence, also saw significant participation, with 400,000 individuals taking to the streets.
"I remember that. But today we have people, including people in the media, arguing that the resistance is dead, that people on the left are exhausted." Barber emphasized the importance of understanding history rather than judging resistance movements on a year-by-year basis.
“There was a resistance that went on 40 years before Dr. King and John Lewis ever got to Selma. There was a resistance in Montgomery before Rosa Parks ever sat down.”
Barber shared a perspective based on Frederick Douglass's response to the Dred Scott decision, explaining how historical movements have often battled feelings of futility: “The abolition movement said, ‘It’s over. There’s nothing we can do.’ But Douglass challenged that despair...”
Today's circumstances, as Barber distinguished, reflect a different landscape, particularly concerning the current administration’s plans to defund vital programs. “They believe the masses shouldn’t really be involved in civil society,” he noted.
The discourse shifted as Barber recounted the motivation behind launching Moral Mondays, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the impact of proposed budget cuts, which could drastically affect millions.
As he explained, “By the time they finish this budget, they would have so bloodied the government—and would have hurt not 1,000 people or 100,000 people, but millions of people.”
Reflecting on his recent arrest during his prayer at the Capitol Rotunda—one of three individuals taken into custody—Barber shared that the intention was to bring attention to the moral implications of budget decisions, not to be arrested. “We went in to say that this nation… needs pastoral and prophetic care.”
“Prayer for us is a prophetic act,” he elaborated, with an analogy to biblical directives to speak truth to power. "What we’re saying is, you cannot keep praying in this Congress... and then turn around and pass a budget that preys on the most vulnerable people in this country."
Barber emphasized communal responsibility, stating, “If they cut 36 million people from Medicaid, that’s Black people and brown people, that’s white people, that’s Asian people... everybody has to make that decision.”
His view on the religious right was equally candid, underscoring a belief that no actual scripture endorses a binary division of “right” and “left.” Furthermore, he highlighted that genuine Christian values are aligned with protections for the marginalized: “The greatest sin in the Bible... is mistreatment of the poor, the women, the widows, the children, the immigrants.”
Adapting to contemporary communication methods, Barber has utilized social media and diverse forms of outreach to engage a wider audience. He underlined the importance of presenting tangible human stories amidst abstract statistics: “We want to show the world what these cuts are doing,” ensuring representation across various demographics.
On measuring success, Barber described it as the ability to mobilize diverse groups toward a common cause and underscored the need for sustained advocacy: “Success is getting people to see their power. And poor and low-wage people now have more power than they ever had.”
While engaging with the Trump administration has proven challenging, Barber remains undeterred, asserting that raising moral critiques will continue to be essential. “To say it’s a moral movement is to say, 'It’s worth struggling for, and it’s worth dying for.'”
Reflections on struggle permeated Barber's conversation, as he shared his perspective on life’s brevity and purpose. “What are you going to do with your six minutes, your six days, your six months... Are you going to live in the mythology that the greatest thing to do with your life is figure out how many people you can hurt?”
As he expressed hope for the future amid significant challenges, Barber emphasized a critical distinction: “Optimism means... a level of happiness; hope begins when people see unjust reality... and they decide they can no longer put up with reality as it is, and they begin to put their hands toward the work of changing.”
"Will it come without some tears and sweat and hurt and incarceration?" he asked, underlining the complexities of meaningful change.Barber's commitment is deeply rooted in his faith and his understanding of social justice as a moral imperative. He points out that the fight for equity and the dignity of all people isn’t confined to a single moment in history; it is a continuous struggle that requires both resilience and adaptability.
“Hope is a very powerful thing,” he emphasized. His work through the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy aims to challenge the growing influence of what he describes as a misrepresentation of Christian values within political spheres. He argues that the callous treatment of marginalized communities directly contradicts the core teachings of Jesus.
As the conversation turned towards the current political climate, Barber reflected on the entrenched systemic inequalities exacerbated by recent policies. The disparities in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity have only deepened under the weight of governmental actions that prioritize profit over people.
"Eight hundred people are dying a day from poverty," he warned. "What’s going to happen with this budget is more people are going to die." He believes that these stark realities must serve as a clarion call to action, igniting a fierce sense of urgency within communities across the country.
Barber’s approach emphasizes collaboration across racial and socioeconomic lines. He recognizes that while the struggles faced by different groups may vary, the fight against systemic injustices is shared. "We don’t fight each other," he stated, reiterating the importance of solidarity. “This movement is a marathon. It’s not a sprint.”
His observations extend to the role of faith communities in these efforts. Barber calls upon religious leaders to step beyond the walls of their congregations and engage actively with societal issues. He sees their involvement as crucial in influencing public discourse and advocating for policies that reflect moral consciousness.
“When you’re called to be a pastor or a faith leader, you’re called to be a prophetic voice,” he shared. This call to action is increasingly important in a landscape where divisive rhetoric often drowns out those advocating for compassion and justice.
As the discussion concluded, Barber reflected on the interplay between despair and hope in today’s society. He acknowledged the frustrations and disenchantment that many feel due to ongoing struggles, yet he remains steadfast in his belief that it’s through collective action that meaningful change will be forged.
"Are you going to live your life on the side of justice or the side of lifting people in love and truth?" he posed, highlighting a fundamental choice facing those engaged in the fight for social justice.
Barber's dedication serves as both a challenge and an inspiration to those who hear his message. He advocates for persistent engagement, urging individuals to rise above complacency and shallow optimism. “We have to prove that we have not succumbed to the lies,” he insisted, calling for a commitment to continual action and advocacy.
In a world rife with challenges, Rev. William J. Barber II stands as a testament to the enduring power of hope, the necessity of moral courage, and the unyielding belief that systemic change is possible when people come together with purpose, determination, and a shared vision for equity and justice.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
However, the landscape shifted last month with the introduction of the “Hands Off” demonstrations across the nation, which attracted thousands of participants who opposed Trump's policies, Elon Musk’s DOGE cryptocurrency, and various conservative initiatives. These gatherings hinted at a potential resurgence of the anti-Trump protest culture.
Rev. William J. Barber II, a distinguished pastor-civil rights activist from North Carolina, fully embraced this revived spirit last week by getting arrested in the Capitol Rotunda while praying in opposition to Republican budget cuts.
In an interview with PMG Magazine, Barber dismissed the idea that the resistance had ever truly faded away. He views its ongoing work as a component of a long-standing movement advocating for the poor and marginalized, a struggle that has roots extending back to the abolitionist fight against slavery. This enduring movement has faced its share of challenges—ask Frederick Douglass about despair—but it continues to evolve and gain strength over time.
"Movements and resistance are built on top of one another,” Barber stated, adding, “And you don’t pit them against one another.”
Barber also addressed sentiments within the Black community suggesting that this is not the right moment for activism, advocating instead for a “fusion movement”—a diverse, interfaith grassroots coalition—as essential for effective resistance.
In addition, Barber, also directing Repairers of the Breach, a social justice organization, affirmed that prayer sessions for their “Moral Mondays” actions will persist at the Rotunda, even in his absence, as was the case this week.
“The movement will be there,” Barber expressed. “And I’ll be back.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
During the first Trump administration, the #Resistance movement was highly prominent, featuring events like the Women's March and the Black Lives Matter protests. The Poor People's Campaign, pushing for a nationwide moral resurgence, also saw significant participation, with 400,000 individuals taking to the streets.
"I remember that. But today we have people, including people in the media, arguing that the resistance is dead, that people on the left are exhausted." Barber emphasized the importance of understanding history rather than judging resistance movements on a year-by-year basis.
“There was a resistance that went on 40 years before Dr. King and John Lewis ever got to Selma. There was a resistance in Montgomery before Rosa Parks ever sat down.”
Barber shared a perspective based on Frederick Douglass's response to the Dred Scott decision, explaining how historical movements have often battled feelings of futility: “The abolition movement said, ‘It’s over. There’s nothing we can do.’ But Douglass challenged that despair...”
Today's circumstances, as Barber distinguished, reflect a different landscape, particularly concerning the current administration’s plans to defund vital programs. “They believe the masses shouldn’t really be involved in civil society,” he noted.
The discourse shifted as Barber recounted the motivation behind launching Moral Mondays, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and the impact of proposed budget cuts, which could drastically affect millions.
As he explained, “By the time they finish this budget, they would have so bloodied the government—and would have hurt not 1,000 people or 100,000 people, but millions of people.”
Reflecting on his recent arrest during his prayer at the Capitol Rotunda—one of three individuals taken into custody—Barber shared that the intention was to bring attention to the moral implications of budget decisions, not to be arrested. “We went in to say that this nation… needs pastoral and prophetic care.”
“Prayer for us is a prophetic act,” he elaborated, with an analogy to biblical directives to speak truth to power. "What we’re saying is, you cannot keep praying in this Congress... and then turn around and pass a budget that preys on the most vulnerable people in this country."
Barber emphasized communal responsibility, stating, “If they cut 36 million people from Medicaid, that’s Black people and brown people, that’s white people, that’s Asian people... everybody has to make that decision.”
His view on the religious right was equally candid, underscoring a belief that no actual scripture endorses a binary division of “right” and “left.” Furthermore, he highlighted that genuine Christian values are aligned with protections for the marginalized: “The greatest sin in the Bible... is mistreatment of the poor, the women, the widows, the children, the immigrants.”
Adapting to contemporary communication methods, Barber has utilized social media and diverse forms of outreach to engage a wider audience. He underlined the importance of presenting tangible human stories amidst abstract statistics: “We want to show the world what these cuts are doing,” ensuring representation across various demographics.
On measuring success, Barber described it as the ability to mobilize diverse groups toward a common cause and underscored the need for sustained advocacy: “Success is getting people to see their power. And poor and low-wage people now have more power than they ever had.”
While engaging with the Trump administration has proven challenging, Barber remains undeterred, asserting that raising moral critiques will continue to be essential. “To say it’s a moral movement is to say, 'It’s worth struggling for, and it’s worth dying for.'”
Reflections on struggle permeated Barber's conversation, as he shared his perspective on life’s brevity and purpose. “What are you going to do with your six minutes, your six days, your six months... Are you going to live in the mythology that the greatest thing to do with your life is figure out how many people you can hurt?”
As he expressed hope for the future amid significant challenges, Barber emphasized a critical distinction: “Optimism means... a level of happiness; hope begins when people see unjust reality... and they decide they can no longer put up with reality as it is, and they begin to put their hands toward the work of changing.”
"Will it come without some tears and sweat and hurt and incarceration?" he asked, underlining the complexities of meaningful change.Barber's commitment is deeply rooted in his faith and his understanding of social justice as a moral imperative. He points out that the fight for equity and the dignity of all people isn’t confined to a single moment in history; it is a continuous struggle that requires both resilience and adaptability.
“Hope is a very powerful thing,” he emphasized. His work through the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy aims to challenge the growing influence of what he describes as a misrepresentation of Christian values within political spheres. He argues that the callous treatment of marginalized communities directly contradicts the core teachings of Jesus.
As the conversation turned towards the current political climate, Barber reflected on the entrenched systemic inequalities exacerbated by recent policies. The disparities in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity have only deepened under the weight of governmental actions that prioritize profit over people.
"Eight hundred people are dying a day from poverty," he warned. "What’s going to happen with this budget is more people are going to die." He believes that these stark realities must serve as a clarion call to action, igniting a fierce sense of urgency within communities across the country.
Barber’s approach emphasizes collaboration across racial and socioeconomic lines. He recognizes that while the struggles faced by different groups may vary, the fight against systemic injustices is shared. "We don’t fight each other," he stated, reiterating the importance of solidarity. “This movement is a marathon. It’s not a sprint.”
His observations extend to the role of faith communities in these efforts. Barber calls upon religious leaders to step beyond the walls of their congregations and engage actively with societal issues. He sees their involvement as crucial in influencing public discourse and advocating for policies that reflect moral consciousness.
“When you’re called to be a pastor or a faith leader, you’re called to be a prophetic voice,” he shared. This call to action is increasingly important in a landscape where divisive rhetoric often drowns out those advocating for compassion and justice.
As the discussion concluded, Barber reflected on the interplay between despair and hope in today’s society. He acknowledged the frustrations and disenchantment that many feel due to ongoing struggles, yet he remains steadfast in his belief that it’s through collective action that meaningful change will be forged.
"Are you going to live your life on the side of justice or the side of lifting people in love and truth?" he posed, highlighting a fundamental choice facing those engaged in the fight for social justice.
Barber's dedication serves as both a challenge and an inspiration to those who hear his message. He advocates for persistent engagement, urging individuals to rise above complacency and shallow optimism. “We have to prove that we have not succumbed to the lies,” he insisted, calling for a commitment to continual action and advocacy.
In a world rife with challenges, Rev. William J. Barber II stands as a testament to the enduring power of hope, the necessity of moral courage, and the unyielding belief that systemic change is possible when people come together with purpose, determination, and a shared vision for equity and justice.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
