New Republic Calls for Renewed Resistance to Trump Presidency

The left-leaning New Republic marked President Donald Trump’s return to the White House with an urgent call for Democrats to mobilize a new resistance movement. In an article published on Inauguration Day, the magazine described Trump’s administration as a “nakedly fascistic agenda” and urged Democrats to find a way to “extinguish the growing movement he leads.”

The piece revisits Trump’s first presidency and highlights the Democrats’ initial shock following his 2016 victory over Hillary Clinton. It recalls how many Democrats questioned Trump’s legitimacy, citing alleged Russian interference in the election—claims that led to years of investigations but ultimately failed to derail Trump’s political career.

Resistance Movement Criticized as Insufficient

The article praises the initial anti-Trump “Resistance” for its ability to delay parts of Trump’s agenda but laments its ultimate failure to eliminate his political influence. Despite multiple impeachments, criminal investigations, and widespread protests, Trump’s political base has only grown stronger, according to the magazine.

Describing Trump as “more experienced and more extreme” in his second term, the piece warns that he and his allies have learned from past challenges. It criticizes Democratic leaders for lacking a coherent strategy to counter Trump, relying instead on personal attacks and accusations of authoritarianism without offering meaningful political alternatives.

Warning About Trump’s Influence

The article argues that Democrats’ focus on Trump’s personality and controversial statements has allowed him to solidify his base and reshape the Republican Party. It calls this a “remarkably naïve” approach that has failed to address the issues that contributed to Trump’s rise. The magazine emphasizes that “not being the party of Trump is no longer enough” and urges Democrats to propose substantive solutions rather than relying on opposition alone.

Lack of Unified Resistance

The article also critiques the current absence of large-scale protests or organized resistance similar to what emerged during Trump’s first term. It describes Democratic leaders as overly willing to cooperate with the new administration, contrasting this with the aggressive opposition seen in 2017.

The piece concludes by labeling Democrats’ inability to stop Trump’s political resurgence as a “total failure” and warns that his influence will dominate Republican politics for decades. It calls for Democrats to shift their strategy, emphasizing the need for a clear political alternative to Trumpism rather than merely opposing his policies.

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