On Monday, Washington Post columnist Shadi Hamid criticized opponents of Donald Trump for responding to his election victory with apparent resignation rather than active resistance.
Hamid argued that the anti-Trump movement needs to reignite its efforts instead of passively accepting the outcome. “If this is what the fight against fascism looks like, it’s hardly a fight at all,” he wrote, calling the subdued response a “dishonorable surrender.” While he welcomed the move away from extreme rhetoric, Hamid emphasized the challenge of grappling with unsettling democratic results.
He noted a “sudden softening” among Democrats, who have largely fallen silent about the threat Trump poses to American democracy. Hamid also called out the exaggerated language used during the 2024 campaign, which now feels oddly muted.
“Despair leads to retreat, while hope drives action,” Hamid said, lamenting that many activists seem to be choosing rest and self-care over political engagement. He cited Parkland shooting survivor and activist David Hogg, who recently expressed fatigue from repetitive protests, saying, “We’ve marched so much. We’re tired of doing the same thing over and over.”
Hamid acknowledged that years of activism against movements like the Tea Party and MAGA have left many feeling burned out. While he understood the need for personal recovery, he urged reflection on past mistakes and a renewed focus on strategy.
He concluded by encouraging activists to embrace the hard work of persuasion, even if it lacks immediate rewards. “There is no shame in defeat, nor in temporarily pulling back. But the fight must continue,” Hamid wrote, emphasizing the importance of building a stronger resistance for the future.
