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Eight years ago, considerable effort went into forming what became known as The Resistance. As the reality of the incoming Trump administration’s intentions began to sink in across the nation—and globally—a diverse coalition emerged. This group, which included feminists, scientists, immigration advocates, and traditional Republicans, found unity in their collective anxiety. On Donald Trump’s first full day in office, this coalition organized a nationwide protest that was unprecedented in scale.
Today, however, in the face of a renewed wave of Trumpism, that sense of urgency appears to have diminished significantly. The iconic pink hats that symbolized resistance aren’t the fashion statement they once were. While grassroots organizing continues to be effective, it lacks the buzz it once had. The intersectionality that once united those concerned about potential threats to women’s rights, a possible Muslim ban, or the erosion of America’s global reputation seems to have weakened. The announcement on Monday that Special Counsel Jack Smith was dropping both federal cases against Trump elicited little more than a collective sigh.
Critics of Trump do not plan to remain silent during his second inauguration on January 20, but the overall reaction appears to be more subdued this time. The Women’s March is set to gather supporters on January 18 in Washington, D.C., while the Rev. Al Sharpton is organizing his own rally to counter Trump’s inauguration. Nevertheless, it’s hard to envision any opposition event making as significant an impact—much less challenging the sense of an inevitable Trump resurgence that many feel.
There’s a palpable sense of resignation among those who once vocally opposed Trump’s presidency. This lack of enthusiasm has been an underappreciated aspect of the recent election cycle. As TIME’s Charlotte Alter referred to it back in March—March!—this was dubbed The Dread Election. President Joe Biden’s struggles and abrupt suspension of his re-nomination efforts didn’t alleviate these concerns, although the surge of interest in Kamala Harris’ potential elevation gave both Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans a glimmer of hope. By the time Election Day arrived, there was a collective desire simply to know the outcome.
Ultimately, Trump secured victory—enhancing his appeal across various demographics in a nail-biting popular vote that was among the closest seen since the 19th century. Democratic strategists are currently grappling with the party’s future, while the rest of the nation looks on. The incoming Republican administration is set to govern for the next four years, maintaining narrow control of Congress for at least the first two.
The pervasive sense of resignation among Trump’s critics is not merely a figment of imagination. Recent polling from Pew indicates that a majority of Americans are largely prepared for a second Trump term. Approximately half of the population—53%—express approval of the President-elect’s plans, while 46% oppose them. Although only 41% believe Trump can unify the nation and 45% trust him on abortion policy, he compensates with a 59% approval rating on economic issues and 53% on immigration. A mere 42% view him as honest, 37% consider him even-tempered, and just 34% see him as a role model.
In straightforward terms: Americans may not have a fondness for Trump, but many are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt—at least for the time being—regarding the demanding responsibilities of the presidency. A significant 68% of Americans indicated to Pew that they were not surprised by Trump’s electoral success, including 58% of Democrats.
The data also reveals a softening of negative sentiments toward him. Following his 2016 victory, only 36% of Americans reported having warm feelings toward Trump. That figure dipped to 34% after his 2020 loss. Currently, that number has increased to 43%, according to Pew’s findings.
Additionally, a Morning Consult poll found that roughly one-third (32%) of voters described their feelings after Trump’s victory as “exhausted.” This sentiment rises to 38% among women—the driving force behind recent protests against Trump—and exceeds 54% among Democrats.
This context explains why the fervor associated with The Resistance feels somewhat diminished today, even as Trump vows to pursue his agenda with greater intensity than in his previous term. Organizations like Democracy Forward, Public Citizen, and Indivisible continue to strive to fill the gaps, but fatigue is palpable. Good-government groups such as the Partnership For Public Service are working to uphold norms and standards, yet it sometimes feels like a futile endeavor given Trump’s incoming team of unconventional figures.
Frankly, this post-election period can be characterized as a rather bland phase in politics. The most significant threats of the election season have been avoided; large-scale protests did not erupt, violent disputes over ballots were largely absent, and denialism has largely given way to facts. During this transition, it’s challenging to ignite and sustain the urgency that characterized eight years ago—especially when the nation has witnessed how Trump disregards norms, follows through on his campaign threats, and dismantles opposition with little regard for the repercussions. Among the millions of Americans preparing for what’s to come, most feel too fatigued to muster the necessary outrage once more.
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