Donald Trump’s return to the White House has reignited tensions in Washington.
His leadership style, past legal battles, and promises to reshape government have left many in the Democratic Party preparing for what could be a turbulent political landscape.
The return of a president who has openly criticized institutions and vowed to take action against his opponents presents a unique challenge.
Lawmakers are now looking for ways to navigate the coming years effectively.
Communicate Effectively
Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee recently consulted with psychologists to better understand how to handle interactions with Trump and his Republican allies.
Representative Jamie Raskin, a key Democrat on the committee, invited two experts to speak with lawmakers, according to Digi24.
James Coan, a psychology professor at the University of Virginia, and Hal Movius, a specialist in negotiation and leadership, were brought in to discuss how Democrats could communicate effectively while dealing with an administration they see as authoritarian.
The meeting was part of broader efforts to prepare for executive actions expected from the new administration.
Trump wasted no time in issuing a wave of orders, some of which are already facing legal challenges.
Democrats anticipate more in the coming months, particularly ones that could impact investigations into Trump’s past actions.
Raskin, who played a role in the congressional inquiry into the January 6 attack, has been outspoken about his concerns regarding Trump’s leadership.
One of the first major signs of the new political reality came shortly after Trump took office.
He issued pardons for around 1,600 individuals convicted in connection with the storming of the Capitol.
His administration has also introduced measures that some fear could pave the way for targeting political opponents through legal action.
Coan has previously spoken out against policies enacted during Trump’s first term, particularly regarding the separation of migrant families at the border.
His work focuses on emotional regulation and the psychological impact of government actions.
Movius has written extensively about strategies for engaging with political opponents, including Trump supporters.
Their expertise is now being used to help lawmakers find ways to counteract what they view as a return to authoritarian governance.
