Navigating the Coming Four Years: Strategies for Those Opposed to Trump
During my experience of witnessing the rise of authoritarianism in Turkey, I gained valuable insights. Here’s what I learned.
TroibNews 
American democracy is about to face a significant stress test. I draw from my experience as a journalist in Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Turkey to understand this situation better.
During my ten years as a high-profile journalist, I witnessed Turkey’s gradual shift toward illiberalism, navigating the constant tension with the government. I am well-acquainted with how self-censorship can start subtly but become ingrained in everyday practices. I have observed the struggle to reshape the media landscape, state institutions, and the judiciary.
Having experienced this and learned valuable lessons along the way, I believe there are strategies that can empower Democrats and those critical of Trump not only to weather the upcoming four years but to emerge stronger. Here are six strategies to consider.
1. **Don’t Panic — Autocracy Takes Time**
The prospect of President-elect Donald Trump returning to power is concerning, yet it is vital to remember that America will not devolve into dictatorship instantly — or even within four years. Even the most persistent strongmen encounter obstacles from the bureaucracy, media, and judiciary. It took Erdoğan more than a decade to fully consolidate his authority, while Hungary's Viktor Orbán and Poland’s Law and Justice Party also required years to dismantle democratic norms and entrench their power.
While the United States is not immune to these trends, its decentralized governance structure — with its network of state and local governments — provides significant resilience. Federal judges hold lifetime appointments, states and governors wield distinct powers, local legislatures exist, and the First Amendment protects the media, bolstered by over a century of legal rulings. Although challenges persist, including a Supreme Court that may show considerable deference to the president, Trump effectively has just two years to attempt state capture. Legal challenges, congressional opposition, market dynamics, the 2026 midterms, and dissent within the Republican Party will likely impede his plans. Ultimately, the U.S. governance system's decentralization makes a total takeover improbable. The "Orbanization" of America is not an immediate danger.
2. **Don’t Disengage — Stay Connected**
After a surprising electoral defeat, it’s natural to want to retreat from the news, abandon social media, and withdraw from public life. I have seen this pattern with friends in Turkey and Hungary, where supporters of the opposition often became disillusioned following Erdoğan's or Orbán's victories. It's understandable to seek solace in personal pursuits.
Engaging in enjoyable activities is perfectly acceptable. However, in countries like Poland, Hungary, and Turkey, opponents of autocracy rediscovered their commitment to the cause, fueled by hope for change. This can also happen in America.
Participating in the struggle for democracy is profoundly meaningful. Millions of Turks turned out to vote and achieved significant victories for the opposition in local elections earlier this year. Similarly, the Polish coalition successfully voted out the conservative Law and Justice Party last year. This potential exists here as well.
The response to political setbacks should not be to disengage but to organize. It’s fine to take time to digest the outcome and share frustrations with friends, but strengthening emotional resilience comes from active engagement.
3. **Don’t Fear the Infighting**
Trump's victory has understandably sparked disagreements within the Democratic Party, creating a messy scene. However, this internal strife is necessary for progress. In Turkey, Hungary, and Poland, opposition parties only began to effectively resist after confronting their strategic and ideological misalignments with society.
Trump has tapped into widespread sentiments that the economic framework, labor relations, housing, and immigration systems are failing. While some may view him as a hypocrite, he has resonated with many Americans as a voice for their interests rather than “Democratic elites.” This reflects what strongmen like Erdoğan and Orbán have achieved.
For the Democratic Party to reposition itself as a force for change, it must fundamentally reevaluate its relationship with working Americans. There is still time to initiate these shifts before the 2026 midterms.
4. **Charismatic Leadership Is a Non-Negotiable**
A clear lesson from Turkey and Hungary is that lacking a charismatic leader can lead to failure, as evidenced by the outcomes of the 2023 elections in Turkey and the 2022 elections in Hungary. While coalition-building and effective messaging are important, they are insufficient without a captivating leader to galvanize social dissent.
Trump was beatable, but a more compelling candidate could have significantly altered the outcome, as several Democratic leaders have suggested. The party’s misstep after sidelining President Joe Biden was in bypassing the primary process to select a candidate. Future success hinges on finding a candidate who can genuinely connect with voters and articulate their aspirations. With a population of 350 million, this should not be an insurmountable task.
Recent elections in Poland and Turkey highlight how populist incumbents can be ousted when opposition groups coalesce around compelling candidates who resonate with voters. Authenticity and connection are paramount to success.
5. **Skip the Protests and Identity Politics**
Soon, those opposed to Trump will mobilize for an organized opposition campaign. However, the approach taken is crucial. In Turkey, the opposition made the mistake of disproportionately relying on street demonstrations and emphasizing secularism — a form of identity politics that resonated mostly with urban professionals and the middle class. Erdoğan's eventual decline in power stemmed largely from his economic mismanagement and the opposition's increasing competence in addressing economic issues.
Trump’s appeal crosses traditional boundaries of race, gender, and class, forming a new Republican coalition. To effectively counteract this, Democrats must also broaden their appeal, even if it means reaching out to conservatives on certain issues. The opposition must be strategic and inclusive. While street protests and calls to defend democracy can inspire, they may alienate conservatives and suburban voters. Any grassroots efforts should come with a relatable economic message and highlight the leadership of Democratic mayors and governors. Relying solely on identity politics will not suffice.
6. **Have Hope**
No challenge lasts indefinitely, and the U.S. is not alone in facing threats to democracy — citizens are just as susceptible to the far right as their counterparts in France, Turkey, or Hungary. Nevertheless, in a nation with a robust, decentralized government and a rich tradition of free speech, the rule of law is likely to be more resilient than elsewhere.
Trump’s return to power indeed poses challenges to American democracy. However, he is bound to make missteps and overreach — both domestically and internationally. The United States can weather the next four years if Democrats regroup and learn from the successes of those opposing autocracy around the globe.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
During my ten years as a high-profile journalist, I witnessed Turkey’s gradual shift toward illiberalism, navigating the constant tension with the government. I am well-acquainted with how self-censorship can start subtly but become ingrained in everyday practices. I have observed the struggle to reshape the media landscape, state institutions, and the judiciary.
Having experienced this and learned valuable lessons along the way, I believe there are strategies that can empower Democrats and those critical of Trump not only to weather the upcoming four years but to emerge stronger. Here are six strategies to consider.
1. **Don’t Panic — Autocracy Takes Time**
The prospect of President-elect Donald Trump returning to power is concerning, yet it is vital to remember that America will not devolve into dictatorship instantly — or even within four years. Even the most persistent strongmen encounter obstacles from the bureaucracy, media, and judiciary. It took Erdoğan more than a decade to fully consolidate his authority, while Hungary's Viktor Orbán and Poland’s Law and Justice Party also required years to dismantle democratic norms and entrench their power.
While the United States is not immune to these trends, its decentralized governance structure — with its network of state and local governments — provides significant resilience. Federal judges hold lifetime appointments, states and governors wield distinct powers, local legislatures exist, and the First Amendment protects the media, bolstered by over a century of legal rulings. Although challenges persist, including a Supreme Court that may show considerable deference to the president, Trump effectively has just two years to attempt state capture. Legal challenges, congressional opposition, market dynamics, the 2026 midterms, and dissent within the Republican Party will likely impede his plans. Ultimately, the U.S. governance system's decentralization makes a total takeover improbable. The "Orbanization" of America is not an immediate danger.
2. **Don’t Disengage — Stay Connected**
After a surprising electoral defeat, it’s natural to want to retreat from the news, abandon social media, and withdraw from public life. I have seen this pattern with friends in Turkey and Hungary, where supporters of the opposition often became disillusioned following Erdoğan's or Orbán's victories. It's understandable to seek solace in personal pursuits.
Engaging in enjoyable activities is perfectly acceptable. However, in countries like Poland, Hungary, and Turkey, opponents of autocracy rediscovered their commitment to the cause, fueled by hope for change. This can also happen in America.
Participating in the struggle for democracy is profoundly meaningful. Millions of Turks turned out to vote and achieved significant victories for the opposition in local elections earlier this year. Similarly, the Polish coalition successfully voted out the conservative Law and Justice Party last year. This potential exists here as well.
The response to political setbacks should not be to disengage but to organize. It’s fine to take time to digest the outcome and share frustrations with friends, but strengthening emotional resilience comes from active engagement.
3. **Don’t Fear the Infighting**
Trump's victory has understandably sparked disagreements within the Democratic Party, creating a messy scene. However, this internal strife is necessary for progress. In Turkey, Hungary, and Poland, opposition parties only began to effectively resist after confronting their strategic and ideological misalignments with society.
Trump has tapped into widespread sentiments that the economic framework, labor relations, housing, and immigration systems are failing. While some may view him as a hypocrite, he has resonated with many Americans as a voice for their interests rather than “Democratic elites.” This reflects what strongmen like Erdoğan and Orbán have achieved.
For the Democratic Party to reposition itself as a force for change, it must fundamentally reevaluate its relationship with working Americans. There is still time to initiate these shifts before the 2026 midterms.
4. **Charismatic Leadership Is a Non-Negotiable**
A clear lesson from Turkey and Hungary is that lacking a charismatic leader can lead to failure, as evidenced by the outcomes of the 2023 elections in Turkey and the 2022 elections in Hungary. While coalition-building and effective messaging are important, they are insufficient without a captivating leader to galvanize social dissent.
Trump was beatable, but a more compelling candidate could have significantly altered the outcome, as several Democratic leaders have suggested. The party’s misstep after sidelining President Joe Biden was in bypassing the primary process to select a candidate. Future success hinges on finding a candidate who can genuinely connect with voters and articulate their aspirations. With a population of 350 million, this should not be an insurmountable task.
Recent elections in Poland and Turkey highlight how populist incumbents can be ousted when opposition groups coalesce around compelling candidates who resonate with voters. Authenticity and connection are paramount to success.
5. **Skip the Protests and Identity Politics**
Soon, those opposed to Trump will mobilize for an organized opposition campaign. However, the approach taken is crucial. In Turkey, the opposition made the mistake of disproportionately relying on street demonstrations and emphasizing secularism — a form of identity politics that resonated mostly with urban professionals and the middle class. Erdoğan's eventual decline in power stemmed largely from his economic mismanagement and the opposition's increasing competence in addressing economic issues.
Trump’s appeal crosses traditional boundaries of race, gender, and class, forming a new Republican coalition. To effectively counteract this, Democrats must also broaden their appeal, even if it means reaching out to conservatives on certain issues. The opposition must be strategic and inclusive. While street protests and calls to defend democracy can inspire, they may alienate conservatives and suburban voters. Any grassroots efforts should come with a relatable economic message and highlight the leadership of Democratic mayors and governors. Relying solely on identity politics will not suffice.
6. **Have Hope**
No challenge lasts indefinitely, and the U.S. is not alone in facing threats to democracy — citizens are just as susceptible to the far right as their counterparts in France, Turkey, or Hungary. Nevertheless, in a nation with a robust, decentralized government and a rich tradition of free speech, the rule of law is likely to be more resilient than elsewhere.
Trump’s return to power indeed poses challenges to American democracy. However, he is bound to make missteps and overreach — both domestically and internationally. The United States can weather the next four years if Democrats regroup and learn from the successes of those opposing autocracy around the globe.
Navid Kalantari for TROIB News
