Introducing the Save America Movement steering committee members
At this moment of national crisis, we must organize, plan, and act with moral clarity, strategic focus, and cultural reach.
That’s why the Save America Movement is proud to introduce the initial members of our steering committee — the advisors and movement-builders helping lead SAM across key fronts where democracy is under threat.
Each brings not only deep expertise, but a lifelong commitment to truth, justice, and the survival of this Republic.
Meet the SAM Steering Committee:
Billy Ray — The Arts
Billy Ray wrote the Oscar-nominated screenplay for “Captain Phillips,” for which he won the WGA award. Ray's films as writer, co-writer, or writer-director include "The Hunger Games," "Richard Jewell," "Shattered Glass," and Showtime's "The Comey Rule," which had the biggest debut of any limited series in that network's history. He provides messaging help to 80 sitting Members of the House and Senate. He believes in democracy, justice, and the Dodgers.
Ryan Busse — Public Lands & Rural Strategy
Ryan is a proud Montanan and was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2024. He is a noted public lands and conservation leader who has served in numerous leadership roles, including as past Chair of Montana Conservation Voters and North American Board Chair of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, advisor to national policy organizations, presidential campaigns, Senate committees, and advisor to the U.S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture.
Busse grew up on a rural cattle ranch, graduated in a class of 16, and spent 25 years in the firearms industry. However, Ryan gave up that award-winning career because he was increasingly troubled by the destructive sources of political radicalization. Since publishing his highly-regarded memoir in 2020, he has become a celebrated and strident critic of right-wing radicalization and a powerful voice for decency and good governance. He is often called to write for publications like The Atlantic, speak at national events, testify to Congress, or brief the U.S. Senate.
Dr. Angela Rasmussen — Public Health & Science
Dr. Angela Rasmussen is a leading virologist, with research focused on how hosts respond to emerging viruses like Ebola, mpox, MERS, and COVID-19. A virologist and leading science communicator, Dr. Rasmussen advises SAM on science, public health, and how authoritarianism preys on public confusion and misinformation. She helps ground the movement in evidence, results, and accountability.
Erika Alexander — The Arts
An acclaimed actor, writer, producer, and activist, Erika brings the cultural power of storytelling to the heart of the movement, shaping how we challenge authoritarianism in the minds of the people through art, voice, and visibility.
Rev. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove — Faith & Public Witness
Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove is a spiritual writer, preacher, and moral activist. He serves as Assistant Director for Partnerships and Fellowships at Yale University’s Center for Public Theology and Public Policy. In 2003, Jonathan and his wife Leah founded the Rutba House, a house of hospitality where the formerly unhoused share community with the formerly housed. Jonathan also founded the School for Conversion, a popular education center that has worked at the intersection of faith communities and the Southern freedom movement for two decades. He is an Associate Minister at St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church and Chair of the Board for Repairers of the Breach, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting moral movements for social change.
And of course, as previously announced, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and Steve Schmidt:
Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II — Moral Discourse, Grassroots Organizing
One of the most prophetic voices of our time, Rev. Barber brings decades of leadership in grassroots coalition-building and moral public discourse. As our moral center, he ensures this movement never loses sight of the people we’re fighting for —and the moral crisis we’re fighting against.
Steve Schmidt — Political Strategy
A former Republican strategist who walked away from the party to stand for democracy, Steve leads SAM’s political strategy, guiding national messaging and the hard-nosed tactics needed to dismantle MAGA from within the system it seeks to corrupt and destroy.
This group doesn’t just endorse our work—they are shaping it. They’re helping us craft our narrative and national media presence, building coalitions across communities, organizing in all 50 states, and responding to Trump’s authoritarianism with strength and coordinated resistance.
We are proud to have them leading alongside us, and we’re just getting started.
The stakes have never been higher. And now we’re building the team we need to take this movement to the next level.
Chip in today to support our growing movement, and help us scale our efforts across organizing, culture, policy, and elections.
Very glad these Substack writers are using their substantial audiences for directing action, not just reporting and witnessing.
Sounds like a solid base!