The Political Scene | The New Yorker cover image

The Political Scene | The New Yorker

What Does It Mean to Resist Trump in 2025?

Feb 13, 2025
Brady Brickner-Wood, a freelance essayist and cultural critic, offers an incisive analysis of the evolving resistance to Trump’s presidency. He discusses the fatigue and resignation felt among liberals and critiques the Democratic Party's struggles to unify its message. The conversation also dives into Kendrick Lamar's politically charged Super Bowl halftime performance, showcasing how cultural resistance interplays with politics. Brickner-Wood emphasizes the need for grassroots movements and authentic engagement to overcome challenges in today's polarized landscape.
37:36

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Cultural resistance during Trump's first term showcased unity but struggled with a lack of concrete political goals, resulting in diminished effectiveness.
  • The Democratic Party's challenge lies in articulating a compelling vision for change that resonates with voters seeking actionable plans rather than abstract ideals.

Deep dives

The Nature of Cultural Resistance

Cultural resistance emerged prominently during Donald Trump's first term, characterized by widespread protests and social media activism. This movement included public figures and everyday citizens rallying around causes like immigrant rights and social justice, often using the hashtag resistance to unify their messages. However, the nature of this resistance was largely performative, leading to solidarity among individuals but lacking a concrete political agenda. As time progressed, this cultural movement seemed to wane, raising questions about its effectiveness in instigating meaningful political change.

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