Federal policies under the Trump Administration are seemingly playing a pivotal role in laying the foundation for a centralized surveillance and control system—what we call a “control grid.” From Executive Order 13800 on cybersecurity issued in 2017 during the first Trump Administration to the current development of digital wallets, biometric surveillance, programmable money, and AI governance, the infrastructure for a digital control grid has been quietly advancing—mostly under the radar. This includes partnerships with private firms to manage federal data, the rollout of digital identity systems via the mobile driver’s license (mDL) and Post-Quantum Cryptography initiatives, and a string of executive actions bolstering predictive analytics and surveillance under the guise of national security.

The Trump Administration cites “modernization” and “security” as the goals driving these policies, but it’s important to consider their broader implications for privacy and personal freedoms. To that end, Solari has created a checklist to assess the steps the Administration is taking in a variety of areas to facilitate the control grid’s rapid build-out—and the actions it is not taking to protect privacy and freedom. Read the checklist here.

As we navigate an increasingly digitized world, understanding where and how these systems began—and who enabled their rise—is critical. The conversation must go beyond partisan lines and focus on the long-term impact of these technologies on civil liberties, local control, and human sovereignty.

If this information resonates with you, don’t keep it to yourself. Share the checklist with friends, family, and colleagues—anyone who values privacy, local control, and individual freedom. The more people who understand how this digital infrastructure is being built—and who’s helping build it—the better equipped we’ll be to push back against any threats to our rights. One simple yet powerful action is to use cash whenever possible. Every cash transaction is a vote for financial privacy and a stand against programmable money and surveillance.

We also support the work Twila Brase and the Citizens’ Council for Health Freedom are doing in regard to the National ID card (Real ID). You can learn more about their efforts and support them here. We also suggest reading over our briefing “What the States Can Do: Building the Legal and Financial Infrastructure for Financial Freedom” which can be accessed here.

In freedom, 

The Solari Team