Grassroots Activism: The Hidden Victories of Trump’s First Term
The presidency of Donald Trump witnessed unprecedented levels of mass protests in the United States, reminiscent of the societal upheavals seen half a century ago. Key events ranged from the 2017 Women’s March to nationwide protests incited by the murder of George Floyd in 2020.
However, in a stark contrast to that era of visible dissent, current critiques of Trump appear more subdued. While some observers cite fear of retribution, others suggest a prevailing sentiment of futility among activists, as noted recently in The New York Times: “Trump had not appeared to be swayed by protests, petitions, hashtag campaigns or other tools of mass dissent.” This perspective prompts a re-evaluation of the effectiveness of activism during his initial term.
This reassessment is vital for understanding how historical narratives influence present-day actions. Contrary to popular belief, grassroots organizing during Trump’s presidency achieved significant progress, albeit less visibly. This analysis will highlight three key areas where social movements made substantive gains, setting the stage for opposition to Trump’s policies in any potential second term.
Sanctuary Movement: Grassroots Wins
A specific type of sanctuary law that activists supported—barring local jails and prisons from active cooperation with ICE—successfully reduced ICE arrests.
Despite Trump’s emphasis on mass deportation, his administration deported significantly fewer individuals in its first term compared to Barack Obama’s. Activists played a crucial role in this shift by mobilizing local governments to adopt sanctuary laws that limited the cooperation of local law enforcement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Research conducted by sociologist Adam Safer affirmed that such laws effectively reduced ICE arrests.
Additionally, pushback from employers against mass deportation contributed to this trend. The E-Verify system, intended to enforce worker verification, faced minimal enforcement due to business resistance, illustrating how grassroots efforts can align with economic interests to counter administrative policies.
Environmental Advocacy: Thwarting the Energy Agenda
Trump’s first-term energy agenda was partly thwarted by a combination of environmental activism and market forces.
During his administration, Trump attempted to boost the fossil fuel sector by withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement and relaxing numerous environmental regulations. Despite these efforts, coal’s decline was unprecedented, with worse performance recorded during Trump’s presidency than in any previous term globally.
The drop in coal usage was driven by the boom in natural gas and renewable energy alternatives, partly due to local activism that challenged polluting infrastructure through litigation and direct action. Environmental organizations not only fought against fossil fuel projects but also successfully pressured financial institutions to withdraw support from coal-related ventures.
Worker Organizing: Rising Strikes and Activism
More U.S. workers went on strike in 2018 than in any year since 1986.
Contradicting Trump’s image as a pro-worker leader, many of his policies adversely impacted labor rights and income distribution. In response, workers across various sectors mobilized for strikes advocating for better pay, enhanced working conditions, and solidarity in resisting ICE actions. The wave of strikes in 2018 marked the highest level of labor action in over three decades.
This collective action not only achieved labor victories but also influenced wider political engagement, highlighting a growing awareness among workers about labor rights and political accountability. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, workers demonstrated agency by resisting unsafe practices, influencing businesses to implement safety measures.
Strategies Beyond Protests
While protests have their place in raising public awareness, they often lack direct influence over federal policies. Instead, grassroots movements can exert significant pressure on local officials, businesses, and regulatory bodies. Notably, corporations are often motivated to modify their practices when faced with threats to their profitability.
For future activism to effectively challenge the status quo, organizations must continue to focus on building grassroots pressure and addressing policies at local levels. This strategy will be essential for countering any potential attempts to advance Trump’s agenda in a second term.
