The Futility of Resistance in Trump’s America: Why Adapting Is the Key to Surviving and Thriving
By Michael Kelman Portney
In today’s polarized political climate, traditional modes of resistance often feel ineffective, and in some cases, counterproductive. As The Art of War teaches, a wise strategist does not directly attack a stronger opponent but instead finds alternative methods to win. Similarly, the protagonist of SLC Punk! learns that impactful change may come from engaging within a system rather than standing outside it in opposition. For those frustrated by the current political landscape, particularly in an era defined by Trump’s influence, the question is: Is resistance really the best way to create change, or is there a more effective path forward? This paper argues that adapting strategically to “Trump’s America” may prove more effective than direct opposition, not as a sign of surrender, but as a recalibration for long-term influence and survival.
1. The Illusion of Direct Resistance
Sun Tzu teaches that "the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting." In a landscape shaped by Trump’s rhetoric and policies, traditional resistance can sometimes energize opposition rather than subdue it. From marches to social media campaigns, many common forms of resistance appear to gain traction but ultimately struggle to create lasting change.
Entrenched Division: The political landscape has become more polarized than ever, with each side retreating into its own echo chambers. In this environment, direct resistance often only resonates with those who are already in agreement. Protests, online campaigns, and high-profile public statements primarily reach like-minded individuals while failing to bridge the divide or persuade those on the other side. Sun Tzu would argue that to create real change, one must seek to undermine opposition by appealing to shared interests or finding indirect paths.
The Power of Narrative Control: One of Trump’s core strategies has been to shape narratives and reframe opposition in ways that neutralize or redirect resistance. He casts critics as out-of-touch elites or radicals, which resonates with his base and can even turn neutral observers against opposition efforts. When engaging in direct confrontation, one risks fueling the opponent’s narrative—something Sun Tzu cautions against by advocating for “deception” and maneuvering that allows one to gain the advantage without open confrontation.
Examples of Ineffective Resistance: High-profile protests and campaigns against Trump often garnered media attention but had limited long-term impact. Rather than shifting opinions, they reinforced Trump’s narrative of a divisive struggle, positioning him as a disruptor standing up against an establishment. This echoes The Art of War’s principle that “those skilled in war bring the enemy to the field of battle; they are not brought there by him.” In this case, resistance became the battleground Trump chose, one that was advantageous for him.
This section highlights that direct resistance often becomes predictable, falling into the traps laid by a stronger or more prepared opponent. Adaptation, in contrast, allows for strategic influence that avoids becoming ammunition for those in power.
2. Learning from History: Adaptation as Survival
Sun Tzu’s emphasis on flexibility and avoiding entrenched positions is mirrored in historical examples of adaptation as a survival strategy. Many groups have chosen to adapt within dominant systems rather than confront them head-on, working within structures to achieve lasting influence. Adaptation in these cases was not passive acceptance but rather a strategic decision to survive and create change from within.
Roman Occupation: Many communities under Roman rule adapted to Roman systems, customs, and governance structures, thereby retaining a degree of autonomy and influence. They navigated the empire’s structures to achieve their own goals, avoiding outright conflict while subtly preserving their identity. This echoes Sun Tzu’s advice to “know the enemy and know yourself,” using the enemy’s system to protect one’s own values.
The Civil Rights Movement’s Strategic Adaptation: Civil rights leaders in the U.S. understood the necessity of adapting to the cultural and political environment. Rather than confront the system solely through forceful opposition, they used strategic nonviolent resistance, appealing to shared American values of justice and freedom. By knowing the “terrain”—as Sun Tzu would advocate—they were able to bridge divides, gaining sympathy from moderate Americans and generating momentum for real change.
Eastern Bloc Adaptation: Under Soviet influence, Eastern European intellectuals and activists often adapted within the restrictive systems. They maintained a degree of cultural and intellectual resistance that would later prove essential when political conditions changed. This exemplifies Sun Tzu’s wisdom that “he who is prudent and lies in wait for an enemy who is not, will be victorious.” These activists preserved influence by waiting for the right moment rather than forcing a conflict they couldn’t win.
These examples show that adaptation is often about strategically “lying in wait” rather than giving up. It involves observing the environment, biding one’s time, and creating opportunities that make change possible even in hostile environments.
3. Embracing the System: Finding Leverage from Within
In The Art of War, Sun Tzu advises that “to win without fighting is best.” In “Trump’s America,” those who wish to see change might consider working from within to influence subtly rather than resisting overtly.
Building Cultural and Economic Capital: Adapting to the prevailing culture allows individuals and groups to amass both cultural and economic capital, two essential resources for exerting influence. By gaining a foothold in media, business, and local politics, people can shape the environment around them, slowly building the momentum for larger changes. Sun Tzu’s approach to using the enemy’s resources against them is evident here; instead of opposing, one builds influence within.
Examples of “Working Within”:
Media Adaptation: Rather than confrontational content, media that speaks to universal or shared values can build a sense of common ground. This makes it difficult for divisive rhetoric to turn people away, creating a slow and steady influence that aligns with Sun Tzu’s view of strategic patience.
Local Politics and Grassroots Influence: Local politics offers an opportunity for real impact that bypasses the polarizing dynamics of national issues. By focusing on local initiatives, people can create positive change within their communities, remaining adaptable and maneuvering in ways that directly impact daily lives.
Creating New Narratives: Instead of directly opposing prevailing narratives, adaptation introduces subtle alternatives. This approach, which leverages indirect influence, is precisely the kind of strategy that Sun Tzu advocates—an approach that avoids overt confrontation and instead gradually shifts perspectives.
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4. Reframing Adaptation as Strategic Evolution, Not Surrender
One of the biggest challenges in adopting an adaptive approach is the misconception that adaptation equals surrender. In fact, as Sun Tzu teaches, true strength lies in flexibility and knowing when to act and when to wait.
Survival as the First Step to Change: As Sun Tzu states, “He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious.” In extreme political climates, adaptation is a way to protect one’s values, maintain agency, and ensure that, when opportunities arise, there is a foundation for action.
Avoiding Polarization Traps: Direct opposition often falls into predictable patterns, which can be used to the advantage of the opponent. Adaptation sidesteps this trap, focusing on incremental goals that, while quieter, have a cumulative impact. This aligns with Sun Tzu’s idea that the best battle is one that is won without fighting.
Creating a New Form of Resistance: Adaptive strategies allow for quieter, more enduring resistance. Instead of being reactive, this form of resistance operates beneath the surface, building networks, influence, and stability that can withstand political shifts and facilitate long-term change.
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5. Practical Strategies for Adapting in a Polarized America
To make adaptation tangible, here are some strategies for individuals and groups who wish to navigate “Trump’s America” in line with the adaptive wisdom of The Art of War:
Focus on Localized Change: By acting at the community level, people can avoid the “ground of contention” and focus on immediate impacts that are less prone to polarizing rhetoric.
Engage Across Cultural Divides: Finding common ground through shared challenges can bridge divides, opening channels for dialogue that align with Sun Tzu’s wisdom of cultivating allies.
Build Resilience through Self-Sufficiency and Community: Focusing on self-sufficiency creates resilience and cultivates support networks that can withstand political shifts, an example of “occupying the high ground” in one’s environment.
Embrace Economic and Technological Leverage: By starting businesses, tech ventures, or media projects that quietly reflect their values, people can gain a foothold and influence within dominant systems, gradually reshaping them from within.
Conclusion: Adaptation as Empowerment in the Modern Age
Adaptation in “Trump’s America” is not about surrender but about pragmatic engagement. As Sun Tzu and SLC Punk! alike illustrate, sometimes the most powerful strategy is to influence the system from within. This approach allows individuals and groups to survive, thrive, and ultimately create enduring change.
When direct opposition falls into predictable traps, adaptation offers an alternative approach that lays the groundwork for long-term influence. In a polarized America, adaptation may be the key to both survival and empowerment, paving the way for change that endures beyond the political moment and ultimately reshapes the landscape.
