How the climate movement is strategizing for Trump 2.0
Mar 3, 2025
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In this discussion, Zack Colman, a climate change reporter for POLITICO, shares insights on the anxious mood within the environmental movement as they anticipate a second Trump administration. He highlights how green groups are reshaping their strategies to counter aggressive deregulation efforts and resonate with economic concerns that influenced recent elections. Colman underscores the importance of mobilization and fundraising for advocacy groups navigating the turbulent political landscape, making for an engaging analysis of resilience in climate activism.
Environmental groups feel defensive under Trump's second administration, struggling to connect economic anxieties with the importance of environmental protection.
Despite challenges, advocacy leaders maintain a cautious optimism, focusing on public engagement and mobilization to counteract damaging policies amidst political uncertainty.
Deep dives
Current Challenges for Environmental Groups
Environmental groups face significant challenges during Donald Trump's second administration, as they struggle to regain momentum following a wave of activism seen during his first election. These groups report feeling on the defensive due to quick and aggressive job cuts and deregulation put forth by the administration. Unlike the prior surge of progressive energy that fueled donations and mass mobilizations, the present atmosphere lacks that same vibrancy, leading to concerns about funding and public engagement. Groups are now tasked with adapting their messages to resonate with people's economic anxieties, seeking ways to communicate how these policies contradict broader public desires for clean air and water.
Guarded Optimism Amidst Uncertainty
Despite the hurdles, many within environmental advocacy express a guarded optimism about their ability to counteracting the administration's policies. They recognize that while Trump's messaging on climate-related issues may have swayed some voters, there is an opportunity to highlight potential overreaches that could mobilize their base. Success for these organizations now hinges on limiting damage and encouraging public engagement through protests and litigation in anticipation of the midterms. Ultimately, they acknowledge that their path forward is uncertain, but they are committed to pushing their agenda and rallying support as they navigate this politically charged landscape.
The second Trump administration has put the environmental movement on the defensive, and green groups are scrambling for a new strategy that can meet the moment. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the anxious mood among environmentalists and their game plan moving forward. Plus, Republicans are continuing to attack regulations passed under the Biden administration through Congressional Review Act resolutions.