Democratic donors worry over party response to Trump

Democratic donors are worried about the party's ability to effectively respond to President Donald Trump's actions. Activist Maggie Kulyk from Atlanta expressed her concerns about Trump's approach to government, including his tariffs and influential appointments. She feels that the national Democratic leadership is not adapting to the current political environment. Since losing the presidency and Senate, Democrats are struggling to present a unified message against Trump. Recent anger among party supporters was sparked by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's vote to support a Republican funding bill. A recent poll shows that public favor for the Democrats has dropped to a record low of 29% amid calls for the party to focus more on challenging the GOP. Some Democratic donors are redirecting their funds toward House and state-level races instead of the Senate. This shift comes in light of several Democratic incumbents, including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, announcing their retirement ahead of the midterm elections, which could complicate the party's chances to regain control of the Senate. Despite the challenges, officials from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee maintain confidence, citing steady fundraising efforts. They believe the Senate can still be flipped, as Republicans are defending more seats than Democrats. Frustration among donors about the party's responses has grown, particularly following debates over Trump's recent joint session address. Some donors feel that the party is not effectively addressing the urgency posed by Trump’s administration. In light of these concerns, individual donors, like Kulyk, are focusing their contributions on grassroots organizations that support marginalized communities. This shift reflects a broader desire for more impactful actions against the Trump administration. Progressive groups also report struggling for funds, despite a high number of candidates seeking office. With Trump’s campaign fundraising surging, Democrats cannot afford to lose donor support. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized Senate Democrats for not seizing moments to oppose the Trump administration. Some in the party urge patience and unity, believing it’s still early to judge their response to Trump’s governance. They caution against donor defection, suggesting that the party will eventually align in its messaging.