Trump’s First 100 Days: How Protest Movements and Democrats Gained Momentum After a Tepid Start

Donald Trump’s second term began amid significant opposition, facing challenges that weren’t as pronounced during his first term. Social media platforms, which had previously tried to limit misinformation, offered their support at his inauguration. This shift left many Democrats feeling lost after a recent popular vote loss, questioning their ability to stand against Trump’s agenda. Courts appeared to favor Trump, asserting he had immunity for certain actions.

“Strategically, we are worse off this time than we were last time,” says David Karpf, a political strategy expert at George Washington University.

While the first term sparked a massive Women’s March, the resistance this time started more slowly. However, by Trump’s 100th day in office, protests against his policies had grown significantly. Nationwide demonstrations, including the April 5 “Hands Off” rally, brought millions to the streets, showing that opposition was alive and growing.

Legal battles marked another front against Trump’s administration. Advocacy groups and Democratic attorneys general filed numerous lawsuits challenging his executive orders, achieving considerable success in halting his initiatives.

Research from Harvard’s Crowd Counting Consortium revealed that between January 22 and March of this year, there were twice as many protests compared to the same timeframe in Trump’s first term. The recent People’s March on January 18 highlighted this increasing momentum.

Despite the government’s crackdown on protesters, including deportations related to pro-Palestinian demonstrations, the resistance continued. “It proves that many still believe in taking a stand,” notes Erica Chenoweth, a political scientist at Harvard.

As protests surged, the grassroots movements gained popularity, particularly in response to figures like Elon Musk, who faced boycotts and protests connected to his contributions to the government. On April 5, rallies united anti-Trump coalitions, with demands focused on social programs, immigration, and human rights.

In Minnesota, a columnist noted a significant turnout, likely impacting local politicians’ perception. The authenticity of these protests is crucial, especially as some doubt the Democratic party’s credibility. Darrell West of the Brookings Institution emphasizes that the grassroots approach can lead to more effective resistance over time.

Democrats have started to respond to the growing opposition. While some leaders expressed uncertainty about how to take action, others, such as Senators Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, embarked on tours to rally grassroots support. This shift in strategy hints at Democrats finding their voice as protests intensify.

Now as chants of resistance grow louder, several Democrats are stepping up, recognizing the need to engage with public outrage effectively. Senator Cory Booker, for example, delivered an extensive speech in Congress to highlight the harmful impacts of Trump’s policies.

Looking ahead, Trump’s approval ratings are at their lowest in decades, but the path to retaking Congress isn’t clear until 2026. Yet, growth in advocacy organizations suggests continuing activism. Indivisible, formed during Trump’s first term, has seen its membership swell since his re-election.

As protests persist, they could sway some of Trump’s supporters, potentially broadening the movement. “People on the fringe can tip the scales,” Chenoweth adds, indicating that change can come from unexpected places.

In summary, the current climate shows a mixture of unrest and resilience as those opposed to Trump continue to organize. As protests unfold and new leadership emerges, the future remains unpredictable but charged with potential for significant change.