Democrats struggle with their lack of power as Trump asserts his authority

Democrats are grappling with a deepening sense of powerlessness as former President Donald Trump asserts his authority. Their internal divisions and uncertainty over how aggressively to challenge him highlight the struggle within the party. 

Some are debating whether to rely on institutional and procedural tactics used in Trump’s first term, while others contemplate a more forceful response. Without a clear leader, the party appears adrift, with potential 2028 contenders hesitant to step forward, leaving them disconnected from the Democratic National Committee, which itself lacks strong direction.

The lack of an effective counter to Trump’s influence is evident as Democrats question whether traditional court challenges can keep pace with his relentless strategies. Concerns are growing that even when judicial rulings go against him, Trump may simply disregard them, leaving Democrats with little recourse.

The former president, however, dismisses these fears, stating he always respects the courts. Yet, his statements and those of his allies suggest a different reality, with Vice President JD Vance questioning judicial oversight of executive power.

With few immediate options, Democrats are placing their hopes on the mid-March budget deadline. This presents their first major test in a Congress where Republicans, largely loyal to Trump, hold the majority. 

While some Democrats pledge to oppose any budget that enables Trump’s agenda, their leverage is limited. Rep. Hank Johnson and other progressives have drawn a line, vowing not to support government funding unless constitutional norms are upheld. However, their efforts are complicated by internal disagreements over strategy.

While some Democrats advocate maximum resistance, others believe in maintaining institutional integrity. They stage protests, force extended debates, and attempt to hold public attention on Trump’s maneuvers. 

Rep. Brendan Boyle draws hope from past activism, recalling how grassroots engagement surged before the 2018 midterms. Yet, some worry that familiar strategies may not be enough this time, given the accelerated pace of Trump’s consolidation of power.

Sen. Cory Booker warns that Trump is breaking laws and ethical norms but acknowledges that Democrats’ options are limited. He insists that while they must fight back, government shutdowns are not the answer.

Instead, he believes in using all available levers to build public opposition. However, tension persists between those demanding immediate, drastic action and those advocating for long-term resistance within democratic structures.

Democrats are caught in an existential crisis over how far they should go in opposing Trump. Some worry about sounding alarmist, while others fear they are not doing enough.

Rep. Sean Casten voices frustration that basic democratic principles are now seen as partisan issues. He notes a shift in public sentiment from apathy to fear and now to anger, predicting that action will follow.

However, activists caution that large-scale protests could be exploited by Trump to justify extreme measures such as martial law.

The comparison to historical authoritarian takeovers is not lost on some Democrats. Casten explicitly draws parallels to Hitler’s swift dismantling of German democracy, arguing that vigilance and resistance are critical.

He and other lawmakers emphasize the importance of confronting Trump forcefully while also ensuring they rally the majority of Americans against him. However, Trump’s team dismisses these concerns, arguing that the real constitutional crisis lies within the judicial system that continues to challenge him.

Hopes that some Republicans might break ranks are quickly fading. While a few GOP lawmakers privately express misgivings about Trump, their public stance remains one of loyalty.

Rep. Haley Stevens observes that Republican leadership has been effectively sidelined, with decision-making centered around Trump himself. Some Democrats believe their Republican colleagues no longer expect future democratic elections and are therefore less concerned about upholding democratic norms.

Within the Democratic Party, there is still a struggle to define a compelling message against Trump. Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar invokes historical Democratic rhetoric to reframe the party’s narrative, arguing that corporate power and economic inequality—not marginalized groups—are the real threats to Americans.

He calls for a fundamental transformation of the party to avoid a cycle of short-term electoral victories followed by deeper losses.

Messaging remains a challenge, as internal Democratic polling suggests that economic issues resonate most with voters. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has focused on cost-of-living concerns, but previous efforts to frame Republican policies as harmful to the middle class have not always resonated.

Despite this, Jeffries maintains that the political landscape is shifting and that Trump’s lack of legislative victories, combined with legal setbacks, will erode his support.

Jeffries’ approach contrasts with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s, as both seek to maintain party unity while preparing for future battles.

However, with Schumer in a weaker position, much of the attention is now on House Democrats. Jeffries and his allies see upcoming budget negotiations as a key moment to test Trump’s Republican majority, believing that divisions within the GOP could create opportunities for Democratic leverage.

The fundamental challenge for Democrats is gauging public sentiment accurately. While grassroots activists demand aggressive opposition, it remains unclear whether the broader electorate supports such measures. Jeffries acknowledges that voters were unconvinced by Democratic messaging in past elections but argues that Republican governance has failed to deliver tangible benefits, giving Democrats an opportunity to regain lost ground.

Despite Jeffries’ optimism, Trump continues to consolidate power. He has already secured a significant court ruling in his favor regarding federal workforce reductions and signed into law a Republican bill on immigration enforcement, demonstrating his ability to advance his agenda. His poll numbers remain strong, further complicating Democratic efforts to weaken his influence.

As they search for a winning strategy, Democrats face a critical moment in their opposition to Trump. They must navigate internal divisions, craft a message that resonates with voters, and determine how aggressively to counter Trump’s growing authority. Their success or failure in the coming months will shape not only their own political fortunes but also the future of American democracy itself.