Democrats Rethink Resistance: Shifting Tactics Against Trump as Second Term Looms

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office for a second term, Democrats are rethinking their approach to opposing him.

Unlike 2016, when lawmakers, activists, and millions of voters launched a unified, all-hands resistance, the Democratic Party is now adopting a more cautious and introspective strategy. Instead of focusing solely on opposing Trump, they are engaging in a broader reevaluation of their party's message and priorities.

Democratic commentator Max Burns captured the shift, stating, “The strategy of being an anti-Trump party didn’t work any better than when we became a primarily anti-Bush party.”

He added that the party has lost clarity on its own message, noting, “Voters are angry, and they want populism. They’ll take a bad version over none at all, so Trump gets to sell his sham populism largely unchallenged.”

Unlike in 2017, when protests like the Women’s March mobilized large-scale street demonstrations, today's Democratic resistance appears more subdued.

Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn PAC, acknowledged the change, saying, “It is clear that fighting back against Trump and MAGA will definitely look different this time... But there is energy to organize and push back.” She emphasized the need for a more strategic and deliberate approach to deploying that energy.

One of the most significant shifts is how some Democrats are signaling openness to cooperation with Trump and his allies in Congress. Lawmakers like Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) have suggested engaging with Republicans on areas of mutual interest, such as reducing Pentagon spending.

“I think it’s very important to not categorize everyone into left vs. right,” said Democratic strategist Hassan Martini. He argued that Democrats should judge individuals by their actions and comments rather than party affiliation.

This approach stands in stark contrast to the party’s previous stance of outright resistance to Trump’s administration, especially when controversial figures were nominated to key government positions.

For example, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has already voiced strong opposition to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services, citing his anti-vaccine stance. “Say goodbye to your smile and say hello to polio,” she quipped in a video, warning of the dangers of embracing conspiracy theories in government health policy.

While some Democrats favor collaboration, others remain committed to a confrontational approach. Rahna Epting emphasized that Democrats would be ready to hold Republicans accountable. “Trump and congressional Republicans are already signaling that they are going to overplay their hand, and we will be ready to hold them accountable when they do that,” she said.

Beyond their strategy on Capitol Hill, Democrats are also grappling with a leadership shake-up within their own party. The race to elect the next chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has become a flashpoint for internal divisions.

Progressives, led by groups like Our Revolution, are pushing for reforms that would ban "dark money" in primaries, hold consultants accountable for campaign spending, and prioritize state party investments. A memo circulated by Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and backed by hundreds of activists and donors demands that the DNC "commit to a progressive platform and small donor democracy."

The internal debate highlights the growing rift between progressives and centrists within the Democratic Party. Progressives argue that the party’s losses stem from its reliance on corporate donors and a lack of commitment to bold, working-class policies.

Moderates, on the other hand, believe that leaning too far left alienated swing voters, costing Democrats crucial elections. These unresolved tensions could shape the future direction of the party, especially as it prepares for 2025 and beyond.

Analysts believe that Trump's second term could be marked by even more populist rhetoric and far-right policy shifts. For Democrats, this creates a dual challenge: resisting Trump’s influence while redefining their own political identity.

The 2016 strategy of rallying against Trump may no longer be enough. Instead, many within the party are calling for a return to a "pro-worker" agenda that highlights policy solutions, not just anti-Trump sentiment.

As the Democratic Party tries to reclaim its footing, one thing is clear — the days of mass protests and singular resistance slogans are behind them.

What replaces it, however, remains uncertain. Will the party build a cohesive message that resonates with voters, or will it be mired in internal disputes and ideological fractures? Only time will tell.