In January 2017, just a day after Donald Trump took office as the President of the United States, Washington witnessed a massive influx of protesters for what was called the “Women’s March.” This event wasn’t solely about women’s issues; it was a broader movement expressing public frustration. Despite the serious undertones, there were moments of joy and camaraderie among participants. I remember speaking with a teenager from New York during the march and she expressed genuine excitement, calling it “democracy in action.”
The march was a hallmark of the #Resistance—a liberal pushback against Trump that manifested not only in large-scale protests but also in judicial battles, critical media coverage, and grassroots organizing. Figures like Robert Mueller, known for his investigations into Trump, and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg became icons of this movement, with their images even finding their way onto merchandise.
Fast forward to Trump’s second term, and a general consensus seems to have emerged: the #Resistance has lost its momentum. As soon as he clinched the November win, media started to dismiss the term, and it appeared that many liberal news followers grew disengaged. Influential figures from the tech and cultural spheres, who previously criticized Trump, either backed him openly or sought to align with him. Even staunch Democrats hinted at the possibility of working with his administration. This time, protests around his inauguration were noticeably smaller. Recently, Ross Barkan posited in the New York Times Magazine that the era of “hyperpolitics,” where politics were at the center of public life, may be fading.
So, what happened? The primary reason seems to be fatigue. Trump’s presidency has been a whirlwind that has dominated American politics for nearly a decade, leaving many exhausted. The initial hope that energetic opposition would push him out of the political spotlight has sadly not come to fruition.
Moreover, the opposition to Trump finds itself somewhat directionless. The Democratic party, now technically led by Ken Martin—a relatively obscure figure—lacks influential leaders. Many supporters likely feel let down after witnessing Joe Biden frame the last election as a crucial battle, only to seemingly lack the determination to ensure a Democratic victory and then warmly welcome Trump back.
If the Democrats seem diminished, Trump appears as a towering figure in the current political landscape. In 2016, although he won the electoral college, he lost the popular vote by nearly 3 million, leading some to consider his victory a fluke. However, his decisive win this time has been used by Trump and his allies to claim a significant mandate.
As observed by prominent columnist Ezra Klein, Trump’s victory resonated throughout American culture. Tech giants and other industries might have aligned with Trump this time to avoid government retribution, but they also appear to use his clear victory as an excuse to distance themselves from certain liberal values they never fully embraced, like diversity and workers’ rights. Trump’s rhetoric might be populist, but his actions have always leaned towards reducing taxes and regulations.
It’s clear that the dynamics have shifted since 2017. Trump has become a lasting symbol of significant currents in American public opinion rather than an anomaly. The lively liberalism that characterized the Obama era seems to have lost its sheen. The #Resistance, in its grand form, seems to have dissipated.
However, as some have pointed out, like Perry Bacon Jr from The Washington Post and Rebecca Traister from New York Magazine, there’s still a lowercase “r” resistance against Trump that’s visible. While not as grand, smaller in-person protests and strategic moves by Democrats in Congress are gaining traction. There’s also a sign that liberals are starting to pay attention to the news once more.
Certainly, it’s not the same as the widespread energy and iconic liberal symbols of 2017. However, the foundational work of the #Resistance—like civil society groups challenging Trump’s policies and local organizing efforts—is reemerging. While the Women’s March captured headlines, it was the courts that served as a vital check on Trump early in his first term, and they’re playing a crucial role again now.
Furthermore, Trump is not as invincible as he appears. Firstly, just as it was an overreaction to view his 2017 victory as a fluke, it’s equally exaggerated to label him an electoral powerhouse now. His recent popular vote win was by a narrow margin, not an overwhelming majority. Moreover, though he may currently experience a honeymoon period, his initial radical and disorderly actions likely erode his political and cultural footing.
Part of this turmoil is intentional. Trump and his allies aim to overwhelm their adversaries, a tactic well-documented over time. Yet, they seem to provoke intentionally, seeking resistance because Trumpism thrives on conflict. It’s a relentless political strategy that pushes until there’s no choice but to resist.
Recently, the spotlight might have shifted from a specific style of opposition politics. Yet, the core concept remains vibrant. It may no longer feel exhilarating, but democracy is, without doubt, still unfolding before us.
