Democrats Struggle With Identity Amid Shutdown, Trump’s 2nd Term

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Democrats Struggle With Identity Amid Shutdown and Trump’s 2nd Term/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democrats are divided after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer helped pass a Republican spending bill to prevent a government shutdown, exposing deep ideological rifts in the party. As they face a Trump-controlled government, Democrats are torn between working across the aisle or fully resisting the GOP agenda. The 2024 election results showed significant Democratic losses among working-class and minority voters, raising questions about how to reconnect with their traditional base. With the 2026 midterms approaching, the party is scrambling to define its strategy.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speaks to reporters after a Senate policy luncheon on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Democratic Party’s Identity Crisis: Quick Look

Schumer’s support for the GOP spending bill ignites Democratic infighting.
Party debates strategy: cooperate with Trump or resist his agenda?
Election data shows major losses among working-class and minority voters.
Moderates push for “pragmatic” policies to win back voters.
Progressives call for a “working-class transformation” of the party.
New Democratic efforts include town halls and Black voter outreach.
The 2026 midterms loom as a critical test for the party’s future.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a “Fighting Oligarchy: Where We Go From Here” event Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Lincoln High School in Warren, Mich. (AP Photo/Jose Juarez)

Democrats Struggle With Identity Amid Shutdown and Trump’s 2nd Term

Democrats’ Internal Struggles: Deep Look

A Party Divided Over Strategy

Democrats have been locked in intense internal debates about their direction and priorities since losing control of the White House and Congress in 2024. The latest flashpoint is Schumer’s controversial support for a Republican-led spending bill, which prevented a government shutdown but enraged progressives.

At a recent Democratic retreat, lawmakers clashed over messaging, ideology, and their approach to Trump’s second term. Rep. Maxwell Frost (D-FL) summed up the mood, saying,

“We’re having family discussions, trying to figure out our path forward.”

Losing Ground With Key Voters

Recent polling and 2024 election data paint a troubling picture for Democrats:

Trump won more non-college-educated voters and those earning under $100,000.
He gained ground among Black, Latino, and young voters, demographics that traditionally favor Democrats.
Only 30% of Americans have a favorable view of the Democratic Party (CNN poll).

Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) acknowledged the party’s branding problem, saying,

“We will not win with the status quo.”

Moulton argues that Democrats need to acknowledge their failures and present a clear message of change to voters.

Moderates vs. Progressives: The Ongoing Battle

The centrist and progressive wings of the party both feel vindicated by the current political climate—but for different reasons.

Moderates argue that Democrats should focus solely on winning back voters rather than engaging in ideological fights.

“Winning the House in 2026 is the only priority,” said Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL), chair of the New Democrat Coalition.

Progressives, however, believe Democrats must fully embrace a pro-worker, anti-corporate agenda to rebuild their base.

“This is our chance to transform the Democratic Party,” said Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Casar says Democrats need to stop seeing the party’s divide as left vs. right, and instead frame it as a battle against corporate elites.

Preparing for the 2026 Midterms

With Trump’s dominance in Washington, Democrats are already gearing up for 2026:

The DNC launched a “People’s Town Hall” series in swing states to engage voters.
The Congressional Black Caucus is planning a nationwide bus tour to re-engage Black voters.
Progressive groups like Indivisible are coordinating protests against Trump’s policies.

Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA), chair of the House Democrats’ campaign arm, emphasized that Democrats need to focus on economic issues:

“We’ll win by showing we’re fighting for lower costs and public safety.”

Meanwhile, progressives argue that Democrats must take an aggressive stand now rather than waiting for 2026.

“Our argument can’t just be what we stopped. It has to be about what we’re fighting for,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA).

What’s Next?

With Trump consolidating power, Democrats are in a precarious position. They must decide quickly whether they will:

Compromise and work with Trump to appeal to swing voters.
Take a hardline resistance approach, rallying their base against the GOP.

One thing is clear: the Democratic Party’s future is at stake in the next two years.