**Democrats Strategize New Anti-Trump Campaign Focused on Legal Battles and State Power**

With the possibility of Donald J. Trump's return to the presidency looming, Democrats are shifting gears from their 2017 liberal "resistance" strategies. Instead of organizing large-scale protests with symbolic pink knit caps and homemade signs, the party is now emphasizing legal confrontations and consolidating power at the state level.

Keith Ellison, the attorney general of Minnesota, revealed that his office has been preparing for the potential reemergence of a Trump administration for over a year. The new approach reflects the fatigue among liberals, who appear more inclined to detach from Trump rather than engage in direct street confrontations.

The political climate in Washington has also undergone significant changes. The Republicans who once hindered parts of Trump's first-term agenda are now either deceased, retired, or have changed political affiliations to the Democratic Party. Additionally, the Supreme Court, influenced by three justices appointed during Trump’s tenure, has demonstrated a propensity to align with his viewpoints.

Facing these challenges, Democratic leaders and activists are focusing their opposition efforts in states where they hold significant control. By leveraging their influence in solidly blue states, they plan to thwart Trump administration policies, such as by refusing to enforce federal immigration laws, while also advancing their legislative agenda. This includes enacting state laws that protect abortion rights, provide funding for paid leave, and address other key party priorities.

According to multiple Democrats involved, this strategic planning began as early as 2023, preparing for a contingency in case Trump re-entered the political arena. These efforts were deliberately kept under wraps to avoid signaling any lack of confidence in their electoral prospects.

Reid J. Epstein, a seasoned political reporter covering campaigns and elections from Washington since 2019, along with Lisa Lerer, a national political reporter based in New York with nearly two decades of political reporting experience, detailed these developments. Their extensive background includes significant tenures at various esteemed publications.