Liberal groups and activists have expressed determination to form a more organized resistance against Trump’s presidency. Key figures, such as Skye Perryman from Democracy Forward, emphasize a realistic approach, acknowledging the challenges posed by a more organized Trump administration and a political landscape leaning further right. However, they also see opportunities to leverage public opinion and the judicial environment for their cause.
Activists recognize that Trump and his allies are better prepared now than during his first term. Yet, they argue that they, too, are better organized. Democracy Forward, for example, has studied documents like Project 2025 to identify legal battlegrounds and coordinate responses with hundreds of lawyers from nearly 300 organizations. Maurice Mitchell from the Working Families Party sees potential for disruption within Trump’s base, pointing to the GOP’s internal struggles over government funding as evidence.
Despite mixed responses from within their own ranks post-election, groups like Indivisible and the Working Families Party emphasize the importance of maintaining an active movement. Ezra Levin of Indivisible recalls the surprise of Trump’s 2016 victory and insists that today’s political landscape requires a different approach. “There’s either going to be a movement or there isn’t,” he states, noting increasing engagement numbers as a positive sign.
Democrats are also in a stronger position at state and federal levels compared to 2016. Curtis Hertel, from Michigan, points out the shift in control from Republican supermajorities to Democratic leadership, suggesting a more favorable battlefield. Yet, engagement remains a critical issue, as highlighted by Vice President Kamala Harris, who stresses the importance of continued activism among party members and supporters.
Strategists within the Democratic Party argue for a shift in focus from opposing Trump the individual to addressing broader policy issues. Ben Wikler and Usamah Andrabi advocate for a platform that prioritizes middle-class interests and challenges Republican policies directly affecting voters’ daily lives. With polling indicating opposition to key Trump policies, Democrats see potential to rally support by highlighting policy impacts rather than personal conflicts.
Bruna Sollod from United We Dream details efforts to equip those threatened by Trump’s immigration policies with essential information and resources. There’s also acknowledgment of a need to address feelings of abandonment among immigrant communities who once supported the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Ash Lazarus Orr from Advocates for Trans Equality underscores the necessity of preparedness amid looming legal challenges against transgender rights.
While liberal groups prepare for the challenges of a Trump administration in 2025, they emphasize the need for a different approach from 2016. Maurice Mitchell advises against repeated mass mobilizations for every issue, advocating instead for strategic action. By focusing on substantive policy challenges rather than individual grievances, they aim to build a resilient resistance capable of influencing the political landscape.
Liberal leaders have articulated a nuanced strategy for opposing Trump’s upcoming term. By focusing on policy rather than personal battles, they aim to forge a more effective resistance that addresses the needs and concerns of the broader public.
Source: CNN
