As the dust settles in the wake of a second Donald Trump presidency, progressive Democrats are contemplating a novel strategy: collaborate with the president-elect on his populist, working-class proposals. It’s a calculated gamble. If Trump delivers on his promises, they can claim some credit for pushing him towards those progressive policies. If he fails to do so, they have the ammunition to criticize him for falling short.
This strategic shift has been quietly evolving in private discussions among liberal elected officials and operatives. The approach represents a deviation from the years-long resistance against Trump, which ended with his return to the White House. Prominent figures such as Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) have indicated a willingness to work with Trump on issues like antitrust laws and capping credit card interest rates.
Common Ground?
Even Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) — a vocal critic of Trump during his first term — seems ready to find common ground with the president-elect. Referring to Trump’s campaign promise to cap consumer credit interest rates at 10 percent, Warren said, “Bring it on.” However, she was quick to add that if Trump fails to deliver on promises that benefit the working class, he should be held accountable.
Despite this potential for collaboration, progressive Democrats are expected to continue to staunchly oppose much of Trump’s agenda. They remain deeply troubled by his behavior and policies, including his plans for massive deportations, tax cuts for the rich, and rollback of transgender rights. But they’re also cognizant that some of Trump’s populist campaign promises align with their own objectives.
Trump’s Populist Promises
Trump has made several populist promises that resonate with progressive ideals. These include making in vitro fertilization treatments free, ending taxes on tips, and capping credit card interest rates. He has also repeatedly pledged to protect popular programs such as Social Security and Medicare.
Moreover, some of Trump’s allies have supported ideas that progressives back, from reducing Pentagon spending to enforcing antitrust laws more strictly. Billionaire Elon Musk, tasked by Trump with downsizing the federal government, seems to agree with progressive Rep. Ro Khanna that the Department of Defense overspends on contractors.
Looking Ahead
It’s clear that progressives are wary of the road ahead. With Republicans controlling both the House and Senate, they are well aware that many of Trump’s populist campaign promises may remain unfulfilled. However, they hope to use these promises as leverage to push for progressive policies and hold Trump accountable.
As the new era of Trump’s presidency unfolds, it seems Resistance 2.0 will take a different shape than its predecessor. As Sen. Elizabeth Warren puts it, “if Trump is going to lower interest rates on all consumer loans to 10 percent, count me in.” It’s a sentiment that reflects the complex political dance progressives are preparing for – a dance that will require both resistance and cooperation.
