As President Trump begins his second term, Democrats are finding themselves in a tough spot. Over 50 interviews with top party leaders have revealed a group that’s deeply divided, unsure of its core beliefs, and unclear about how to take on a bold and aggressive Republican agenda.

The heart of the problem? Democrats can’t agree on what their message should be—or even which issues to focus on. Some argue for a more forceful pushback against Trump’s policies, while others believe the party should prioritize a smaller set of key battles.

This internal conflict is playing out in very public ways. High-profile Democrats are openly disagreeing about how to handle the Trump administration’s rapid policy changes. For example, Senator Chuck Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, has said the party needs to pick its fights carefully, focusing on the most critical issues and going all-in on those.

The recent election for the new chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) didn’t bring much clarity. Ken Martin, the winner of the low-key race, has said his first priority is to review the party’s tactics and messaging. But even he has admitted he’s not sure what the scope of that review will be—and he’s avoiding the elephant in the room: whether former President Biden should have run for re-election.

From governors to grassroots organizers, the party’s leaders are sending mixed signals. Some want a more combative approach, while others are calling for restraint. What’s clear is that Democrats are facing an uphill battle to find a unified voice—and time is running out to figure it out.

As the Trump administration moves forward with its agenda, the pressure is on for Democrats to get their act together. But with so many competing ideas and no clear path forward, the question remains: Can they find a way to stand united before it’s too late?