AdminDemocrats are not preparing a comprehensive opposition strategy against Donald Trump.
Unlike in 2016, when elected officials, activists, and millions of voters rallied in a united front to counter his growing influence in Washington, the current response appears to be more subdued.
What once felt unprecedented has now become routine. As January 2025 approaches, the absence of a cohesive Democratic response to Trump’s second term suggests the party is in a period of introspection, analyzing its failures before launching a focused campaign to counter the GOP.
“The one thing we’ve learned is that basing our identity on opposing Trump didn’t work, just like being primarily anti-Bush didn’t work in the past,” said Democratic analyst Max Burns. “In trying to counter Trump, we’ve lost clarity on what we actually stand for as a party.”
“It’s similar to what happened to Republicans in the 1960s,” he added, “when they were forced to reassess their values and strategy after significant losses.”
For Democrats, the weeks following the election feel both interminable and fleeting as the political establishment braces for an unpredictable transition of power. Many see this period as the start of a long journey to redefine the party’s identity beyond its opposition to Trump.
As Trump’s supporters align more closely with the GOP, Democrats—both progressive and moderate—are struggling to articulate their core principles, foster unity, and effectively communicate their vision to the public. Election results reveal that simply opposing the MAGA movement isn’t enough to energize voters, challenging a strategy the party has relied on for nearly a decade.
Although some Democrats still view Trump’s presidency as a significant danger, their warnings have become less urgent. The “defend democracy” message, once a rallying cry for the party, failed to resonate in the latest cycle, prompting calls for a shift in strategy after significant losses.
The fervor and unity of 2017, when mass protests like the Women’s March mobilized millions, have largely faded. Back then, fears of Trump’s policies and leadership inspired a wave of activism that is less evident today.
“This time, opposing Trump and MAGA will require a different approach because the context has changed,” said Rahna Epting, executive director of MoveOn PAC. “The challenge is to be strategic in how we channel the energy that remains.”
Democrats are now grappling with their recent losses among key constituencies, including labor groups, Hispanic voters, and young people, who have distanced themselves from the party. Many argue that the party’s messaging has become too vague to inspire and unite these groups.
“People want populism, even if it’s flawed, and Trump is filling that void with his own brand of it,” said Burns. “Without a strong alternative, his narrative goes unchallenged.”
Some Democrats are experimenting with a new approach. Lawmakers in both chambers of Congress have signaled a willingness to collaborate on certain policies or appointments from Trump’s administration. This marks a shift from the immediate hostility his first-term proposals faced, as Democrats aim to avoid opposition for opposition’s sake.
“It’s counterproductive to reject an idea just because it comes from the other side,” said a former adviser to Senator Bernie Sanders. “When you talk to everyday voters, most don’t think in strict ideological terms.”
Meanwhile, some Democratic legislators are seeking opportunities for bipartisan cooperation, particularly on issues like reducing military spending—a shared interest for both Trump and progressive lawmakers. Representative Ro Khanna of California has emerged as a leading voice in this effort, advocating for partnerships based on shared priorities.
“It’s important to evaluate individuals and policies on their merits, rather than lumping everyone into left or right categories,” said Democratic strategist Hassan Martini, who heads the No Dem Left Behind group.
Despite this, many high-profile Democrats are maintaining a confrontational stance against Trump and his allies to reinforce their opposition to the GOP’s agenda.
“Trump and his Republican allies are likely to overstep, and we’ll be ready to hold them accountable when they do,” said Epting.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent critic during Trump’s first term, has not softened her approach. She has openly opposed several of Trump’s potential Cabinet nominees, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is rumored to be a contender for the Health and Human Services Department.
Warren’s position on the Senate Finance Committee places her in a key role for these confirmation battles. She has already expressed strong opposition to Kennedy, citing his controversial views on vaccines.
“Wave goodbye to smiles and hello to polio,” Warren quipped in a recent video. “It would be funny if it weren’t so alarming.”
The Democratic Party’s post-election slump has also shifted attention to a more immediate concern: the race for Democratic National Committee chair. Party insiders and activists see this as an opportunity to reshape the DNC after its messaging—focused on democracy and abortion rights—failed to gain traction with voters.
Progressives worry that moderates will push for the same centrist strategies that have led to recent losses. Moderates, in turn, blame overly liberal policies for alienating swing voters and contributing to Trump’s victories.
A grassroots organization, Our Revolution, which emerged from Bernie Sanders’ 2016 campaign, has circulated a petition calling for major reforms within the DNC. The document, backed by Representative Pramila Jayapal and hundreds of activists, proposes banning dark money in primaries, holding consultants accountable for budgetary decisions, and prioritizing investments in state-level organizing. It also urges a renewed commitment to progressive values and small-donor financing.
“The Democratic Party needs a significant overhaul,” the petition declares. “We must return to being the party of working people, rejecting corporate influence and the corruption that has cost us elections and alienated voters.”
