Consider This from NPR: Americans Are Protesting the Trump Administration. Do They Work?
Release Date: April 24, 2025
In this insightful episode of NPR's "Consider This," host Juana Summers delves into the effectiveness of contemporary protest movements against the Trump administration. Drawing parallels with historic civil rights demonstrations, the episode features expert analysis from Harvard Kennedy School political scientist Erica Chenoweth and reflections from activist Roger Wilkins. The discussion centers on whether modern protests are influencing public opinion and policy changes, echoing the successes and challenges of past movements.
1. Historical Context: The Power of Peaceful Protest
The episode opens with a reflection on the iconic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, a cornerstone of the American civil rights movement. Activist Roger Wilkins reminisces about the day's jubilant atmosphere and broad-based support:
"It was such a joyous day. There was such a broad array of support from whites, Jews, Christians, labor... It was thrilling, uplifting." (Wilkins, 00:08)
Juana Summers highlights the significance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s seminal "I Have a Dream" speech delivered from the Lincoln Memorial steps:
"Just as I have a dream, my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." (Martin Luther King Jr., 02:14)
The aftermath of the march saw pivotal legislative victories, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, underscoring the movement's tangible impact.
2. The Modern Landscape: Protests Against the Trump Administration
Transitioning to the present, Summers sets the stage by outlining the tumultuous first hundred days of Donald Trump's second presidential term. The administration has been marked by significant layoffs of federal workers, controversial deportations, and an unusual dynamic with tech magnate Elon Musk. Amidst these developments, protests have surged across the country, exemplified by the "Hands Off" rallies:
[Sounds of rally] (04:51)
These demonstrations, totaling over 1,300 events by April 5th, reflect widespread discontent and mobilization against various administration policies.
3. Analyzing Protest Effectiveness with Erica Chenoweth
To assess whether these protests are influencing change, Summers consults Erica Chenoweth, a renowned expert in civil resistance. Chenoweth outlines four key factors that contribute to the success of social movements:
- Size: Large protests garner more attention and demonstrate significant public support.
- Diversity: A varied crowd indicates widespread agreement with the movement's goals.
- Discipline: Maintaining a clear message and strategy fosters public sympathy.
- Strategic Shifts in Support: Effective movements can sway influential groups and institutions.
"A very large protest is much more likely to get noticed, to demonstrate people power, to have a large symbolic impact." (Chenoweth, 05:07)
Chenoweth references historical movements like Black Lives Matter and MeToo, emphasizing their role in shifting public discourse and policy.
4. Historical and Contemporary Impacts on Elections
Exploring the political implications of protests, Chenoweth cites studies demonstrating the correlation between large-scale protests and electoral outcomes. For instance, the Tea Party protests of April 2009 significantly influenced the 2010 midterm elections, aiding Tea Party candidates in securing victories:
"Having a Tea Party protest in one's district and having it be particularly large protest was strongly correlated to whether Tea Party candidates both won the primaries and then won those elections." (Chenoweth, 06:12)
Similarly, research indicates that the Black Lives Matter protests in summer 2020 impacted vote shares in the 2020 presidential election, suggesting that organized protests can sway public opinion and electoral results.
5. Adapting to the Current Political Climate
Addressing the unique challenges of today's political environment, Chenoweth acknowledges the shifts in rules and norms that may affect protest efficacy:
"We’re in a very different political moment here in the United States where rules and norms are changing and in many cases being ignored." (Chenoweth, 07:15)
She underscores the importance of adhering to successful protest fundamentals despite these changes, noting that foundational principles remain relevant even as the political landscape evolves.
6. Triggers for Mobilization: Catalysts for Protest
Changoweth discusses what drives individuals to participate in protests, highlighting the role of significant triggering events. She explains that dramatic occurrences, such as declarations of martial law or blatant breaches of the rule of law, can rapidly mobilize public action:
"A catalyzing moment like that one can really snap people into action... there's no way to predict what types of triggers will lead people to that outcome." (Chenoweth, 09:04)
Other common triggers include perceived election fraud and instances of police brutality, which can galvanize widespread demands for accountability and justice.
7. Looking Ahead: The Future of Protests in the United States
As the episode concludes, Chenoweth emphasizes the enduring relevance of protest movements in shaping democratic governance:
"The general principles of what has made democracy movements successful in the past would not apply here... but we are in somewhat uncharted territory." (Chenoweth, 07:29)
She urges contemporary activists to learn from historical successes while navigating the complexities of the modern political arena.
Conclusion
"Consider This: Americans Are Protesting the Trump Administration. Do They Work?" offers a comprehensive examination of the role and effectiveness of protest movements in the United States. Through expert insights and historical parallels, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of how organized public dissent can influence political landscapes and drive societal change. As the nation continues to navigate its current challenges, the episode underscores the enduring power of collective action in the pursuit of democracy and justice.
Production Credits:
- Produced by: Megan Lim
- Edited by: Courtney Dorning
- Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigun
- Host: Juana Summers