It’s amusing, in a way, how President Trump can evoke laughter. Not the kind that comes from genuine enjoyment, but rather it’s more of a resigned chuckle, a head shake at his audacity.
Recently, Trump took to social media to slam Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer as engaging in “political terror” during negotiations. He criticized the freezing of funds approved for the National Institutes of Health, suggesting it was a power move in exchange for confirming some of his favored candidates.
It raises the question, is Trump honestly complaining about political terror? I mean, the absurdity of it all – it’s hard not to chuckle.
His second term appears to center on the profound fear he instills, rather than any genuine concern for the abuse of power. This sense of dread has characterized his presidency, which now seems almost legendary in its oddity. I recently watched an episode of a popular show where the president threatens a small town with a hefty lawsuit, reminding us that laughter can sometimes be a potent antidote to authoritarianism.
Right now, we desperately need that laughter. Trump’s Project 2025 seems to echo tactics used by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who commandeers universities, media, and the legal framework to enforce his agenda.
Let’s dive into what’s happening in universities. A few years back, JD Vance claimed at a National Conservative Conference that a direct assault on universities was necessary. And, disturbingly, that assault is currently unfolding.
Trump and his team are targeting major universities, effectively threatening crucial funding for cancer research and other beneficial projects unless these institutions align with his ideology.
The intimidation tactics vary by institution but involve potentially hundreds of millions in cuts and the abandonment of commitments to diversity and inclusion.
Press freedom, too, is in the crosshairs of Trump’s intimidation strategy. He has a well-documented history of hostility toward media outlets that fail to praise him unconditionally.
Things have worsened during his second term, as he embraces a view of power that seems almost limitless. Previously, he used the Federal Communications Commission to coerce media outlets into silence regarding his presidency.
Sadly, some industry leaders seem to acquiesce rather than fight back. CBS executives, for example, chose to appease Trump to secure approval for lucrative mergers—really a confounding choice considering the absurdity of the legal challenges involved.
Even worse, as noted by Stephen Colbert, CBS has agreed to subject its network to official ideological oversight, raising alarms about the fundamental principles of journalism and editorial independence.
Furthermore, Trump has made quite a spectacle by issuing executive orders aimed at punishing lawyers who dare to oppose him. Reports suggest that nine significant law firms have capitulated to his intimidation, offering up about $1 billion in pro bono work for causes he approves of.
What’s troubling here is how various sectors seem to cower under Trump’s influence, undermining issues like environmental protection and equality for marginalized groups.
In essence, fear is something President Trump knows all too well. Perhaps that’s why his ire was directed at Schumer recently. His negotiation tactics seem almost akin to a nuclear ultimatum, though to any observer, they could easily be recognized as just a form of basic bargaining.
I think Trump is accustomed to people bending to his will, which can be hazardous for democracy.
The silver lining? Senate Democrats aren’t going along with his demands, even as Republican leaders seem to align with his more troubling candidates. In Texas, Democrats are rightfully pushing back against the corrupt schemes Trump has suggested.
It’s a wake-up call for leaders everywhere. Our nation requires ongoing resistance against this overwhelming faction of control.
Svante Myrick serves as the president of American Way People.
