During Donald Trump's presidential address to a joint session of Congress last night, several Democratic lawmakers protested through walkouts and vocal objections. Notably, U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost of Florida exited the chamber wearing a black shirt emblazoned with the phrase "No kings live here," signaling his dissent against the speech.
Frost, the youngest member of Congress, expressed his disapproval to MSNBC host Rachel Maddow following Trump’s speech, telling her, "Donald Trump is many things — a liar, a grifter, a wanna-be-dictator — but no matter how hard he tries and how many Republicans in Congress bend the knee and kiss the ring: He will never be king."
This incident follows a recent confrontation during a House Oversight Committee hearing, where Chairman James Comer threatened to remove Frost after he referred to Trump as the "Grifter-in-Chief." Despite being asked to retract his statement, Frost stood by his remarks, criticizing both Trump and Elon Musk for allegedly using their positions for personal gain.
“The traditional approach of measured opposition is insufficient in the face of what is authoritarian overreach,” the Gen Z lawmaker told Maddow. “We can't afford to be complacent. Our constituents expect us to fight tooth and nail against policies that undermine our democracy and marginalize vulnerable communities."
Frost recently spoke to The Advocate about the Democratic Party's strategies in countering the Trump administration. Since his election, Frost has been a vocal advocate for progressive policies and a staunch critic of the current administration.
Related: Gen Z candidate Maxwell Frost: 'Partner' to LGBTQ+ community
This sentiment aligns with recent actions by Democratic lawmakers. For instance, during a protest outside the Treasury Department, Frost highlighted the importance of utilizing every legislative tool available to obstruct the administration's initiatives. “We need collaboration with organizations like the ACLU, unions, and others to coordinate protests and protect citizens' rights,” Frost suggested. “It's crucial that we all stand united to push back aggressively against any form of authoritarianism,"
Frost did not shy away from critiquing members of his own party who, in his view, have been too accommodating to the Trump administration. He specifically mentioned instances where some Democrats supported parts of Trump's agenda, expressing concern that such actions could be perceived as tacit approval.
"History will not look kindly on those who fail to stand up against authoritarianism," Frost warned. "We have a duty to our constituents and to future generations to resist policies that threaten our democracy and the long history of a free nation."
As the new co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee, Frost is keenly aware of the role messaging plays in political strategy. He believes that the Democratic Party must refine its focus on economic issues that resonate with working-class voters and communities of color like the housing crisis, wealth inequality, and immigration. To win, he says, the party has to do it in a way that actually connects with people’s lived experiences.
"Our messaging should reflect the realities that our constituents face daily, and we failed to do that properly during the last election,” Frost said.
On the shortcomings of the previous election cycle, Frost agreed that the Democratic Party failed to address voters’ economic concerns. Beyond that, he said the left needs to do better to work against Republican’s anti-immigration and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric.
“We also need to combat the Republican Party's strategies on immigration and LGBTQ rights, areas where Democrats must present a clear and compelling counter-narrative,” he said. “We can't allow the opposition to define the conversation. It's our responsibility to present bold, progressive solutions that inspire and mobilize our base."
Frost also recognized the challenges Democrats face in mounting effective opposition. “Yes, we Democrats have internal divisions, and this coupled with the administration's aggressive tactics, have made it difficult to present a unified front. I get that,” he acknowledged. “However, I’m optimistic about the party's ability to adapt and overcome these obstacles. We've faced tough battles before. But I believe in the resilience of our party and our commitment to the principles of justice and equality."
Frost underscored the significance of grassroots mobilization in countering the administration's policies. Prior to serving in Congress, Frost was a community organizer, for gun safety, abortion rights, and driving youth voter turnout. Thus, he understands the value of working locally, utilizing public demonstrations and outreach to local leaders across the country in advancing progressive policies amidst federal gridlock.
"When the federal government fails to act, it's up to local communities to lead the charge," Frost said. "Grassroots movements have always been the backbone of social change in this country, and we have to remember that as a key strategy as we push against Trump’s agenda.”
He also pointed to recent protests and anger at Republican townhalls, as evidence of public outrage over the administration's actions. Frost believes that Democrats must harness this energy to build a sustained opposition movement.
"The people are demanding action," he said. "It's our job to channel that frustration into meaningful political change."
Frost also highlighted the need for strategic planning and long-term vision. He called on his colleagues to move beyond reactive politics and develop proactive policies that address systemic issues. "It's not enough to oppose," Frost argued. "We must also propose. We need to offer a vision of the future that inspires hope and confidence."
All told, Frost emphasized that Democrats need to bolster their aggressive opposition, refine messaging, utilize grassroots mobilization, and proactive policy development. Frost explained that this is a roadmap for Democrats seeking to counter the overreach of the Trump administration.
Some Democrats, like former Clinton strategist James Carville, have said the party needs to sit back and wait for Trump and the Republican Party to implode. Does Frost agree that there’s some relevance to that suggestion?
“No, we still have to fight,” he responded without missing a beat. “Because here's the thing, you know, and I don't want to talk bad about James Carville, I'm sure he's a nice guy, but people like him, and even people like myself, if things start to collapse, there's a safety net there that can help us to weather that storm. Not everybody has a large bank account. And I don't have a larger bank account like that. Most of this country lives paycheck to paycheck, and there are immigrants out there who have lived here pretty much their whole life, who are currently being hunted down like animals by the US government. And I don't think it makes sense for us to tell our people we're gonna play dead and roll over.”
