Following President-elect Trump's decisive win, the Democratic Party is reevaluating its approach for the upcoming years. Democratic strategist Molly Murphy stressed the need for a fresh strategy during a Democratic National Committee meeting, emphasizing that the tactics used in 2017 won't be effective in 2025 and beyond.

Trump at his election night celebration. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Murphy pointed to post-election surveys indicating Trump's increased popularity and public approval of his transition handling. She noted that voters seem to overlook his controversial statements due to their positive view of his economic management. The Democrats' challenge, she argued, is to shift this perception.

Murphy's proposed strategy centers on highlighting the perceived negative impacts of Trump's policies on the American public, particularly concerning economic issues. She advocated for focusing on the cost of living and potential discrepancies between public expectations and economic realities.

The Democratic National Committee meeting in Washington, D.C. (Fox News/Paul Steinhauser)

She also suggested drawing attention to aspects of Trump's platform that could be portrayed as unfavorable to the public, like tax policies benefiting the wealthy and the impact of tariffs on consumers. Additionally, Murphy highlighted the need for the Democratic Party to connect with key demographics – young voters, Latinos, and Black voters – through more relatable messaging that goes beyond policy discussions and engages with cultural themes.

Vice President-elect Sen. J.D. Vance with Trump. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

While DNC chair Jaime Harrison praised Murphy's analysis, he also emphasized the importance of focusing on Vice President-elect JD Vance, particularly in preparation for the 2028 election cycle. Meanwhile, RNC chair Michael Whatley affirmed Trump's continuing influence in the Republican Party, stating that Trump's agenda will remain central to the party's strategy in the 2026 midterms and beyond.

RNC Chair Michael Whatley. (Fox News - Paul Steinhauser)

Whatley underscored the importance of strengthening party infrastructure and voter engagement efforts. He acknowledged the historical trend of the incumbent party facing challenges in midterm elections and the absence of Trump as a candidate in 2026. However, he predicted that Trump would remain actively involved in campaigning for Republican candidates and promoting his agenda.