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Eight years back, a significant movement took shape, known as The Resistance. As the implications of the incoming Trump administration became clearer both in the U.S. and around the world, a varied coalition began to coalesce. This alliance comprised feminists, scientists, immigration advocates, and even traditional Republicans, who all found common ground in their shared apprehensions. On Donald Trump’s first full day as president, this collective mobilized for a nationwide protest that was unprecedented in its magnitude.
Fast forward to today, and amidst a resurgence of Trumpism, that initial sense of urgency seems to have significantly waned. The once-popular pink hats, iconic symbols of the resistance, no longer carry the same weight in fashion or activism. While grassroots organizing persists, it seems to lack the vibrancy and momentum it once had. The intersectional concerns that previously united those worried about threats to women’s rights, potential Muslim bans, or the decline of America’s global standing appear to have lost some of their potency. The recent announcement from Special Counsel Jack Smith regarding the dismissal of both federal cases against Trump prompted little more than a weary collective sigh from the public.
Critics of Trump are not planning to stay quiet during his second inauguration on January 20. However, the overall response seems more subdued this time around. The Women’s March is expected to rally supporters on January 18 in Washington, D.C., while Rev. Al Sharpton is organizing his own counter-rally against Trump’s inauguration. Yet, it is difficult to envision any opposing event making as significant an impact or challenging the sense of inevitability that many associate with a Trump comeback.
There is a noticeable air of resignation among those who once fervently opposed Trump’s presidency. This lack of enthusiasm has been an underrecognized element of the recent election cycle. As TIME’s Charlotte Alter pointed out back in March—March!—this period has been dubbed The Dread Election. President Joe Biden’s challenges and his abrupt suspension of re-nomination efforts have only added to these anxieties, although the rising interest in Kamala Harris’ possible ascension offered a flicker of hope to both Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans. By the time Election Day rolled around, many simply wanted to know the outcome.
Ultimately, Trump emerged victorious, broadening his appeal across various demographics in a closely contested popular vote that ranks among the tightest since the 19th century. Democratic strategists are now left to ponder the party’s future as the nation watches closely. The incoming Republican administration is poised to govern for the next four years, retaining narrow control of Congress for at least the first two.
The widespread sense of resignation among Trump’s detractors is not merely a figment of imagination. Recent polling from Pew Research indicates that a majority of Americans are prepared for another term under Trump. Approximately half of the populace—53%—express approval of the President-elect’s plans, while 46% stand in opposition. Although only 41% believe he can unify the nation and 45% trust him regarding abortion policies, he garners a 59% approval rating on economic issues and 53% on immigration. A mere 42% perceive him as honest, 37% view him as even-tempered, and only 34% consider him a role model.
In simple terms: while many Americans might not harbor positive feelings for Trump, a significant number seem willing to grant him the benefit of the doubt—at least for now—concerning the weighty responsibilities of the presidency. A notable 68% of Americans indicated to Pew that Trump’s electoral success did not come as a surprise, including 58% of Democrats.
Moreover, the data reveals a softening of negative perceptions toward him. After his 2016 victory, only 36% of Americans reported warm feelings toward Trump, a number that dipped to 34% following his 2020 loss. Currently, that figure has risen to 43%, according to Pew’s findings.
Additionally, a Morning Consult poll revealed that around one-third (32%) of voters described their feelings post-Trump’s victory as “exhausted.” This sentiment climbs to 38% among women—the key demographic behind recent protests against Trump—and exceeds 54% among Democrats.
This context sheds light on why the enthusiasm once associated with The Resistance appears somewhat diminished today, even as Trump pledges to pursue his agenda with renewed vigor compared to his first term. Organizations like Democracy Forward, Public Citizen, and Indivisible continue to work tirelessly to address the gaps, but a sense of fatigue is evident. Good-government groups such as the Partnership For Public Service are striving to uphold democratic norms and standards, yet their efforts sometimes seem futile in the face of Trump’s unconventional incoming team.
Honestly, this post-election phase could be described as rather uneventful in the political landscape. The most significant threats anticipated during the election season have largely been averted; large-scale protests have not materialized, violent confrontations over ballots have been largely absent, and denialism has mostly yielded to facts. During this transitional period, rallying and maintaining the urgency that was so prevalent eight years ago is challenging—especially when the nation has witnessed Trump’s disregard for norms, his follow-through on campaign threats, and his dismantlement of opposition with little concern for consequences. Among the millions of Americans bracing for what lies ahead, many feel too weary to summon the outrage once more.
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