In the wake of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory, a new TikTok trend of blue bracelets has emerged, sparking a whirlwind of emotions—from hope to anger and a hefty dose of 2016 déjà vu. The Blue Friendship Bracelet Movement, a quiet yet striking form of protest, is the latest accessory-driven signal of resistance among progressive women.
Like the safety pins of 2016, these blue bracelets have become a symbol for those who want to show that they oppose Trump’s return to power and offer a “safe space” to marginalized communities.
The movement quickly spread across the platform from a viral TikTok video by user Libby. It had women sharing videos of themselves crafting and wearing blue bracelets as a subtle badge of solidarity.
However, as with any viral trend, the movement faces both support and criticism. What started as a simple show of allegiance has sparked deep conversations about performative activism, nostalgia, and what true resistance looks like in 2024.
Bracelets, nostalgia, and a blue wave of resistance on TikTok
The meaning behind the bracelets
Wearing a blue friendship bracelet in 2024 isn’t just a TikTok trend—it’s a statement. For those participating, the bracelets symbolize resistance against Trump’s presidency, frustration with the election outcome, and a desire to connect with others who share progressive values.
Libby's video about calling on fellow white women to signal each other on which side they are on started the trend. For many, the bracelet is the signal.
With echoes of the 2017 Women’s March and the 2020 Safety Pin Movement, the bracelets are a subtle yet visible way to express solidarity, especially for those who feel uneasy in politically red environments. TikTokers are posting videos of themselves making these bracelets for their friends and family, with captions like,
“We need a signal, secret handshake, something. I trust no one now.”
For some, it’s a small comfort in uncertain times.
Nostalgia with a side of criticism
While many see the Blue Friendship Bracelet Movement as a creative and hopeful form of resistance, others aren’t as convinced. Critics argue that this bracelet trend is nothing more than “performative activism”—a way for people, especially white women, to feel good about themselves without trying to incite change.
It’s reminiscent of the “black squares” that flooded Instagram during the Black Lives Matter protests—bold statements on the surface but ultimately fleeting.
Some also fear that donning a bracelet like this could make wearers more visible targets for harassment in heavily conservative areas.
“The bracelet can be covered,”
One TikTok creator warned, reminding people that true activism goes beyond accessories. Others suggest that if you wear the bracelet, you should at least support marginalized communities by purchasing from a Black-owned business, adding some weight to the gesture.
A new wave of activism?
Whether seen as performative or meaningful, the Blue Friendship Bracelet Movement taps into a much larger cultural wave of grassroots activism, similar to previous accessory-based movements. For supporters, it’s a way to say, “We won’t go back,” while for others, it’s a reminder that real change takes more than symbols.
As TikTok continues to fuel these viral protests, it begs the question: What comes after the bracelets?
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While the Blue Friendship Bracelet trend on TikTok may feel like a nod to past movements, it also serves as a reminder of activism's complex and evolving nature. Whether seen as a hopeful signal or criticized as performative, the bracelets have ignited a conversation about what it means to resist in today’s political climate.
And as the 2024 election aftermath unfolds, one thing is certain—TikTok will continue to be a platform for resistance and reflection, one bracelet at a time.
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