As Democrats brace for the return of President-elect Donald Trump and the incoming Republican trifecta, a profound division has surfaced within the party. Some Democrats are adopting a conciliatory stance, while others are arming themselves to resist Trump’s policies with every legal and legislative tool at their disposal. These resistance Democrats, fortified by the conservative blueprint known as Project 2025, have been preparing for this moment behind the scenes for months. Blue states have been “Trump-proofing” their programs, anticipating federal government attacks, and bolstering their teams of lawyers for the looming legal battle with the new administration.
Among the resistance Democrats are figures like California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who exude a “bring it on” attitude towards the impending Trump era. They, along with others, represent one segment of the Democratic Party that is strategizing on how to confront Trump when he reenters the White House with full GOP control of Congress.
Strong Resistance From Democratic Governors
Newsom, a well-known adversary of Trump, is expected to position California as a bulwark against the incoming Republican trifecta. He has already called for a special session of the state Legislature to protect California initiatives, such as civil rights protections and climate policies, that may be targeted by Trump. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis have also launched a nonpartisan group aimed at countering “threats of autocracy.”
Attorneys General Ready for Legal Warfare
Following the shock of Trump’s Muslim travel ban during his first presidency, Democratic attorneys general are determined not to be caught off guard again. Key figures like California’s Rob Bonta, Minnesota’s Keith Ellison, New Jersey’s Matthew Platkin, and New York’s Letitia James are expected to champion the litigation movement against any potential violations by the Trump administration.
Interest Groups Fueling the Resistance
Interest groups with a mission to resist Trump’s policies are more than willing to employ aggressive tactics to stymie the administration. Democracy Forward, a liberal legal organization, plans to continue its work challenging federal rules with a larger staff and multi-million dollar war chest. In the abortion space, political groups such as EMILYs List, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and Reproductive Freedom for All have vowed to hold Trump accountable for any attempts to undermine reproductive freedom.
As the Trump era looms, the Democratic resistance is gearing up for a fierce battle. With strategic planning, robust legal teams, and the support of interest groups, the resistance movement is determined to challenge any policies that threaten their values and the rights of the American people. But as the political landscape intensifies, only time will tell how effective this resistance will prove to be.
