Resistance Rises: A New Era of Activism in Response to Trump’s Administration
As Donald Trump reaches the 100-day milestone of his second term, public discontent appears to be on the rise. A recent poll from the Washington Post in collaboration with ABC News and Ipsos reports unprecedented low approval ratings for Trump at this stage compared to any previous president. Key findings indicate that a majority of respondents feel Trump has overstepped his authority, perceive a downturn in the economy, and believe U.S. global leadership has weakened.
During Trump’s first term, the public demonstrated massive disapproval, most notably seen in the Women’s March of January 2017. This event, marking the largest single-day protest in history, has since been eclipsed only by the George Floyd protests in 2020.
Emerging Forms of Protest
This current wave of protests appears to be evolving. Insights from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Crowd Counting Consortium reveal an increase in not only the number but also the intensity of protests throughout 2025. Notably, protests this year have included labor strikes and boycotts, showcasing a diversified approach to resistance.
February 2025 alone saw over 2,000 counted protests, reflecting a multitude of causes including support for federal workers, LGBTQ rights, immigrant rights, and demonstrations against Trump’s administration and corporate partners like Tesla.
The Media’s Response
Despite ongoing protests, media coverage has lagged, leading to some critics accusing outlets of downplaying the current resistance narrative. Veteran media analyst Margaret Sullivan notes the disparity in coverage, suggesting many major news organizations have dismissed growing discontent as muted. However, recent large-scale events, such as the “Oligarchy Tour” featuring Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have started gaining traction in the media landscape.
Grassroots Organizing and Community Mobilization
The grassroots movement is quickly gaining momentum, with initiatives like 50501 bringing together thousands of volunteers across the nation. Local organizers facilitate protests, creating small teams that contribute to state-level coalitions. This interconnectedness allows for a coordinated national effort in promoting civic engagement.
Upcoming Mass Protests and Collective Action
The next 50501 national protest is scheduled for May 1, 2025. Event organizers encourage newcomers to seek involvement, emphasizing that many participants are just beginning their activism journey. One organizer highlighted their rapid learning and rewarding experiences in the process of activism.
In a call for collective civic engagement, New York Times columnist David Brooks emphasized the necessity for a national civil movement that consolidates various sectors of society to challenge the power structures in place.
Institutional and Grassroots Unity
Encouraging signs of unity are becoming evident as more than 200 universities have called upon their institutions to protect staff and students from perceived administrative overreach. Civil rights organizations, totaling 75 groups, have pledged to uphold a shared vision of justice and unity in their initiatives.
A coalition of over 500 philanthropy organizations has begun to unify efforts to safeguard charitable contributions, reflecting a broader mobilization against the Trump administration’s policies.
Furthermore, the resignation of Bill Owens, former executive producer of 60 Minutes, showcases discontent within the media industry regarding perceived censorship and oversight. He cited a desire for editorial independence as a primary reason for his departure.
Engaging in Democracy
Engagement in democratic processes involves daily activism—staying informed, discussing concerns with peers, contacting representatives, and participating in community events. As stated in the 50501 handbook, “The time has come for you to get involved. You are 50501. Together our voices cannot be ignored.”
With a metaphor comparing resistance movements to dandelions—rooted, interconnected, and resilient—advocates urge individuals to feel empowered and recognize that participation in democracy is essential.
Mary Robinson, the first female president of Ireland, once remarked, “Feel empowered, and if you start to do it, if you start to feel your voice heard, you will never go back.”