Calls for New Strategies Emerge as Trump Prepares for Second Term

With Donald Trump returning to the presidency, activists and political leaders debate the future of opposition efforts in the U.S.

Donald Trump secured both the popular vote and the electoral college in the 2024 election, signaling a shift in political dynamics compared to 2016.
While public protests defined opposition during Trump’s first term, current responses are muted, with fatigue and resignation evident among many on the left.
Activists and organizations, including Democracy 2025, are focusing on building long-term opposition frameworks, emphasizing courts, local organizing, and electoral strategies.
Some commentators argue for a shift from short-term resistance to a broader, more durable opposition movement that prioritizes diverse ideas and sustained political engagement.
Key priorities for opposition efforts include protecting democratic institutions, addressing economic discontent, and holding the administration accountable to its working-class supporters.