Activists Reflect on Protest Strategies After Trump's Re-Election
Trump's second term prompts debate on the effectiveness of mass protests and the future of progressive activism.
- The January 2017 Women's March remains the largest single-day protest in U.S. history, but similar large-scale mobilizations are not expected ahead of Trump's second inauguration.
- Analysts and activists highlight the challenges of sustaining grassroots movements, citing vague agendas and lack of organizational structure as key obstacles to achieving lasting change.
- Progressive groups like Indivisible and MoveOn report renewed interest from volunteers post-election, with thousands joining calls and preparing for localized actions and future elections.
- Experts note that nonviolent protests are increasingly less effective globally, with governments, including the U.S., hardening against movements that challenge authority.
- Activists emphasize the importance of long-term strategies, such as building local coalitions, supporting lawsuits, and preparing for the 2026 midterms, to counter Trump's policies and maintain momentum.