By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Real American Grit.

What happens when a coalition of former military leaders, ex‑USAID democracy officers and activist groups begin rehearsing a parallel resistance to the government? The Real American Grit hosts Kimberly Wathen and Randy Barber peel back the layers of a shadow network they label the United Democracy Alliance (UDA), exposing its internal organization, emergency‑scenario planning, and a focus on election‑day disruption.

The Architecture of the United Democracy Alliance

The UDA is described as a “huge galaxy” of groups converging around three strategic pillars: Block, Bridge and Build. The Block pillar, led by the United Democracy Alliance itself, concentrates on lawsuits, mass protests, and non‑cooperation tactics. According to the August 6 2026 portfolio review, more than 300 partners are listed for the “No Kings” protests, a movement that opposes any perceived monarchical or authoritarian shift in U.S. governance.

Key coordinators include Daniel Reif and Dr. Paul Zeitz, who co‑lead the Renew American Democracy (RAD) campaign. The RAD documents reference a “Renew to Thrive” network (R2T) that records calls and sorts work into the three pillars. The Bridge pillar aims to foster dialogue across political divides, while the Build pillar looks ahead to post‑crisis governance structures.

Emergency Scenarios and the Insurrection Act Working Group

One of the most unsettling revelations is the UDA’s involvement in an “Insurrection Act Working Group” headed by Mike Smith of National Security Leaders for Democracy. This group has been discussing potential responses that include invoking the Insurrection Act, a federal authority that allows the President to deploy troops domestically in emergencies. The RAD strategy outlines three emergency scenarios, with the final one labeled “threat to the constitutional order.”

“We are also starting to consult federal workers on how to do some blocking inside the government agencies during emergency situations, but please do not put that on the form,” wrote Eric Manton of the Democracy Renewal Group in a June 4 chat. This indicates a plan to embed resistance tactics within federal agencies themselves, a move that could undermine the chain of command during a crisis.

Targeting Election Day and the “Day After Tomorrow” Gap

The UDA’s timeline appears to be tightly linked to the 2026 midterm elections. A September 9 RAD funding proposal notes that while the alliance is focused on Election Day and the immediate aftermath, there is a critical “gap” the campaign intends to fund: the period after the election when the federal government might be deemed illegitimate. This gap, described as the “day after tomorrow,” is where the alliance hopes to activate its network of lawsuits, strikes, and civil resistance.

Randy Barber asked whether scenario planning extended beyond Election Day, prompting a response that the UDA does have “red lines” and contingency plans for moments when the constitutional order is threatened. The hosts note that while the alliance has not yet publicly launched—no website, logo, or official member list exists—the internal documents suggest a high level of organization and readiness.

Federal Workers as a Strategic Lever

Another strand of the UDA’s strategy involves the Federal Workers Alliance for Democracy (FWAD), led by Jeremy Zitomer. FWAD’s mission, as stated in a February 2026 forum, is to support federal employees in upholding the law within agencies. Zitomer, who previously worked at the U.S. Digital Service and the Office of Management and Budget, emphasizes organizing and building power among civil servants.

The RAD documents list FWAD as a founding partner of the National Consultation—a proposal for a “people’s proposal” to renew American democracy. This partnership signals an attempt to infiltrate the bureaucracy, encouraging federal workers to act as a “blocking” force from within during emergencies.

Implications for the Trump Administration and American Democracy

The hosts conclude that the UDA represents a coordinated, ideologically driven effort to create a parallel power structure capable of challenging the administration’s authority. While the alliance claims to defend democratic norms, its focus on “blocking” government actions, preparing for constitutional crises, and mobilizing federal workers raises concerns about loyalty to elected officials and the rule of law.

President Trump’s administration has repeatedly warned of domestic threats that seek to undermine constitutional governance. The emergence of a network that plans to activate during perceived illegitimacy could test the administration’s resolve to protect the nation’s democratic institutions while preserving civil liberties.

As the Real American Grit hosts note, “If they actually act on this, it is absolutely treasonous, every bit of it.” The conversation underscores the urgency for vigilance and proactive measures to ensure that any dissent remains within the bounds of lawful protest rather than covert subversion.

The full episode of Real American Grit is available on OBBM Network TV.