Center for American Progress Action Fund, the nonprofit arm of the liberal Washington think tank, announced Thursday that they would reorganize in 2017 with a focus on President-elect Donald Trump, pledging to make Trump’s life in the White House harder and resist his legislative efforts.
The reorganization is part of a rebuilding effort within the Democratic Party’s infrastructure after Hillary Clinton’s crushing loss last month. The move also comes as other outside Democratic think tanks and groups are attempting to position themselves as the key organization standing against the Trump White House.
As part of that effort, the 501(c)(4) nonprofit has hired Adam Jentleson, Sen. Harry Reid’s deputy chief of staff and longtime aide, to head up the new effort, serving as start senior strategic adviser and rapid response director.
Claiming the anti-Trump mantle is now critical for an array of Democratic organizations: Donors, many stung over Clinton’s loss, are more likely to give to the group that can convincingly argue they are the top anti-Trump organization.
David Brock, a top Democratic fundraiser and Clinton ally, is set to launch his anti-Trump organization next month during a meeting in Florida. American Bridge, Brock’s opposition research group, launched a “war room” last week.
Neera Tanden, a longtime Clinton confidant and friend, will remain president and CEO of the Center for American Progress and said Thursday that the groundwork laid by her group now will help Democrats looking to run in the future.
“The launch of our new Resist campaign will stand firmly to respond against the excesses of the Trump administration,” she said. “His Cabinet picks so far make his rhetoric to drain the swamp at best hollow and at worst a betrayal.”
Tanden said the newly launched organization will look to “resist Trump’s efforts to undermine policies that protect people from all walks of life, as well as the environment and the integrity of our democracy.”
Outside groups will play just part of the roll in countering Trump, however. While diminished in recent elections, Democratic governors are preparing to run interference on Trump’s legislative moves and Democrats on Capitol Hill plan to spend their time making it harder to Trump to get his priorities through Congress.
