In a recent analysis, it is reported that while President Donald Trump faces increasing disapproval, the opposition party, particularly the Democrats, is also seen as failing to effectively counter his administration. President Trump secured the presidency by a narrow margin, not winning a majority of the popular vote and barely surpassing rival Kamala Harris. Nevertheless, his administration is pushing forward with a robust agenda, as though backed by a significant mandate. Key among these efforts is the establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, tasked with cutting government spending and programs—a move viewed by many as controversial and possibly unconstitutional.
On the foreign policy front, Trump has leveraged American influence over allies, especially NATO countries and Ukraine, to demand concessions, such as rights to Ukrainian mineral wealth. His cabinet appointments have raised eyebrows, including figures like Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services.
While it might be expected that such actions would provoke a strong congressional backlash, the opposition remains fragmented. Despite the Republicans holding only slim majorities in both the House and Senate, Trump has moved forward largely unimpeded, with most nominees being confirmed easily. Some Republicans, influenced by political strategy and fear of retaliation, have been unwilling to oppose him. Reports indicate that some senators, like Thom Tillis from North Carolina, have faced threats that deterred them from voting against Trump’s nominees.
Public opinion appears to diverge from the congressional response. A poll by The Washington Post/Ipsos shows mixed to negative reactions to Trump’s initiatives, with more than half of Americans believing he has overstepped his authority. Moreover, Elon Musk’s involvement does not seem to be winning public favor, as he holds low approval ratings. Similarly, many oppose DOGE’s actions, such as proposed agency shutdowns and staff layoffs.
The Democrats’ upcoming challenge is to harness this discontent effectively. Although the poll indicates potential support for Democrats in the 2026 midterms, internal discontent within the party poses a significant hurdle. Current leadership, under figures like Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, faces criticism for failing to capitalize on anti-Trump sentiments. This leadership is seen as cautious compared to the more assertive stance Democrats held during Trump’s first term, which benefited from a strong grassroots opposition movement.
There are prominent individuals within or associated with the Democratic Party, such as Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, J.B. Pritzker, and Chris Murphy, who are gaining traction by vocally opposing Trump. As Democrats deliberate their strategy, they are confronted with the choice to amplify these influential voices or persist with their current approach, which could hinder their performance in future electoral contests.
