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Eight years back, extensive efforts were made to establish what became known as The Resistance. As the intentions of the incoming Trump administration began to resonate across the nation and the globe, a varied coalition came together. This group, which encompassed feminists, scientists, immigration advocates, and even traditional Republicans, found common ground in their shared anxiety. On Donald Trump’s first full day as President, this coalition organized a nationwide protest that was unprecedented in scale and impact.
Fast forward to today, and in light of a resurgence of Trumpism, that initial sense of urgency seems to have waned considerably. The once-iconic pink hats that signified resistance have lost their appeal as a fashion statement. While grassroots organizing remains active, it no longer carries the same energy it once did. The intersectionality that previously brought together those alarmed by potential threats to women’s rights, fears of a Muslim ban, or concerns over America’s standing in the world seems to have diminished. The announcement on Monday that Special Counsel Jack Smith was dropping both federal cases against Trump prompted little more than a collective sigh from the public.
Critics of Trump are not planning to stay quiet during his second inauguration on January 20, but the overall response appears to be more muted this time. The Women’s March is scheduled to gather supporters on January 18 in Washington, D.C., and the Rev. Al Sharpton is organizing a rally to counter Trump’s inauguration. However, it is difficult to envision any opposition event making a significant impact, let alone challenging the prevailing narrative of an inevitable Trump resurgence that many anticipate.
There is a notable sense of resignation among those who once fervently opposed Trump’s presidency. This lack of enthusiasm has often been overlooked in the recent election cycle. As TIME’s Charlotte Alter aptly termed it, back in March—March!—this has been referred to as The Dread Election. President Joe Biden’s struggles and sudden halt of his re-nomination efforts did little to ease these sentiments, although the rising interest in Kamala Harris’ potential as a candidate provided a glimmer of hope for both Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans. By the time Election Day arrived, there was a shared desire simply to ascertain the outcome.
In the end, Trump emerged victorious, 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 future of their party while the nation observes. The incoming Republican administration is poised to govern for the next four years, maintaining narrow control of Congress for at least the first two years.
This widespread 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 somewhat prepared for a second Trump term. About half of the population—53%—express approval of the President-elect’s plans, while 46% oppose them. While only 41% believe Trump can unify the nation and 45% trust him on abortion policy, he enjoys a 59% approval rating on economic issues and 53% on immigration. Notably, just 42% view him as honest, 37% see him as even-tempered, and only 34% consider him a role model.
In simple terms: Americans may not have a strong affinity for Trump, but many are willing to give him the benefit of the doubt—at least for now—regarding the demanding responsibilities of the presidency. A substantial 68% of Americans indicated to Pew that they were not surprised by Trump’s electoral success, including 58% of Democrats.
The data further reveals a softening of negative sentiments toward him. After his 2016 victory, only 36% of Americans reported having warm feelings toward Trump. That figure dipped to 34% following his 2020 loss. Currently, that number has risen to 43%, according to Pew’s findings.
Additionally, a Morning Consult poll indicated that about 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 backdrop sheds light on why the fervor associated with The Resistance feels 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 their efforts to address the gaps, but the fatigue is palpable. Good-government groups such as the Partnership for Public Service strive to uphold norms and standards, yet it often feels like a daunting task given Trump’s incoming team of unconventional figures.
Honestly, this post-election phase can be described as a rather uneventful period in politics. The most significant threats from the election season have been circumvented; large-scale protests did not materialize, violent confrontations over ballots were largely absent, and denialism has mostly given way to facts. During this transition, it is challenging to ignite and maintain the urgency that characterized the situation eight years ago—especially when the nation has witnessed how Trump dismisses norms, follows through on his campaign threats, and dismantles opposition with little regard for the consequences. Among the millions of Americans bracing for what lies ahead, most feel too fatigued to summon the necessary outrage once more.
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