What can Democrats do to oppose Trump?
The minority party gets off to a 'slow start' in opposition


The Democratic Party has been discombobulated by the Trump administration's "shock and awe" upending of American government. With Republicans in control of the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court, Democrats are left hamstrung by their opposition.
The Democratic Party "got off to a slow start" in opposing President Donald Trump's dramatic moves, said Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) to The New Yorker. But the new administration's acts to eliminate federal agencies, end birthright citizenship and fire government workers have all been challenged in court, showing the Democrats "may be out of power" but are "not powerless." Trump is "still constrained by federal law and the Constitution," said Schatz. And a public backlash might encourage Republicans to curtail their ambitions a bit. "Every political party is constrained by that which is unpopular," he added.
Some of Schatz's colleagues think more is needed. The party has been "too timid" in opposing Trump, said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) to The Washington Post. His suggestion: Make a public villain out of Elon Musk, the billionaire eviscerating agencies, like the U.S. Agency for International Development, on Trump's behalf. Trump is "really good at naming enemies, particular individuals or particular groups." Democrats should do the same.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Combatting 'aggressive presidents'
Democrats are "not helpless," said Princeton University historian Julian E. Zelizer at Foreign Policy. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer can "create effective roadblocks for Trump" if they can maintain party unity. In Congress, at least, Republicans have narrow majorities. Any splinters in the GOP have the "potential to quickly bring down a Trump proposal," and history shows that opposition unity is an "enormously effective tool in blocking aggressive presidents making bold moves."
"Where are the Democrats?" said David Corn at Mother Jones. The party should have a "war room" to generate a "nonstop firehose of social media" in opposition to Trump and Musk. Media-savvy elected Democrats like Murphy and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) should be out in front, "denouncing and decrying on a daily basis." But all of that takes a commitment to boldness that Democrats haven't shown so far, Corn added. "You cannot win a war you are not fighting."
'Democrats are fighting back'
Senate Democrats waged an "all-night talkathon" last week to prevent the confirmation of Russell Vought to lead the Office of Management and Budget, said The New York Times. He was confirmed anyway: Democrats had "no hope" of stopping Vought while in the minority. But the delaying tactics served the message that "Democrats are fighting back," said Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).
Congressional Republicans will probably need Democratic assistance to avoid a government shutdown when funding runs out on March 14, said New York magazine. They'll also need Democrats to raise the debt ceiling and avoid a default. There is some talk, then, that Democrats "may shut down government to keep Trump from gutting it." Without guarantees that Trump will rein in Musk, one staffer said, Democrats may decide that "bipartisan cooperation becomes an overwhelming negative for us."
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Joel Mathis is a writer with 30 years of newspaper and online journalism experience. His work also regularly appears in National Geographic and The Kansas City Star. His awards include best online commentary at the Online News Association and (twice) at the City and Regional Magazine Association.
-
May 25 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons feature Donald Trump's tariffs, Big pharma, and cuts to Medicaid
-
Why men have a bigger carbon footprint than women
Under the Radar 'Male identity' behaviours behind 'gender gap' in emissions, say scientists
-
5 richly deserved political cartoons about tax breaks for billionaires
Cartoons Artists take on Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill'
-
Elon Musk says he's 'done enough' political spending. What does that really mean?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION The world's richest man predicted he'd do 'a lot less' electoral financing moving forward. Has Washington seen the last of the tech titan?
-
Hurricane season is here. How will Trump's FEMA respond?
Today's Big Question An internal review says the agency is not ready for big storms
-
Starlink: what Elon Musk's satellite soft power means for the world
The Explainer The rapid expansion of his satellite internet company has given Musk a unique form of leverage in some of the world's most vulnerable regions
-
Democrats are on the hunt for their own Joe Rogan
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Party leaders and mega-donors want to counter MAGA's online momentum by recreating a digital right-wing ecosystem for the left
-
'The national appetite has been waning'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Democrats grapple with Biden cover-up fallout ahead of 2028
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Even before his cancer diagnosis, Dems have been grappling with whether the White House's alleged effort to hide Biden's failing health is worth relitigating
-
Trump DOJ charging House Democrat in ICE fracas
speed read Rep. LaMonica McIver is being charged with assault over a clash outside an immigration detention facility in Newark
-
Is Trump trying to take over Congress?
Talking Points Separation of powers at stake in Library of Congress fight