Michael Steele, former chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) turned critic, has said the speed with which US institutions capitulated to Donald Trump is the biggest surprise of his first year back in office. Steele argued that law firms, universities and media companies collapsed with startling speed, bowing to pressure from the president.
In a recent interview, Steele said he expected more resistance from lawyers and institutions of higher learning. He described the administration's strategy as 'everything-everywhere-all-at-once', overwhelming institutions and making it easier to give in than to stand firm. Steele noted that the few institutions that resisted proved that was the better strategy in the long run.
Trump targeted law firms that opposed his policies or were involved in investigations related to the 2016 election, threatening security clearances, federal access and government contracts. Many firms negotiated settlements offering pro bono legal services aligned with Trump's priorities. Elite universities faced funding freezes totalling over $5bn in federal grants, leading many to negotiate policy changes to restore funding, with Harvard notably holding out.
Steele warned that once you yield to a bully, you will always be bullied. He expressed surprise at the speed of capitulation, saying Trump had 'slapped the crap out of everything and everyone' within six months of taking office, and instead of fighting back, institutions cowered. However, he noted signs of dissent, including the 'No Kings' protests and the reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel after public backlash.
Looking ahead, Steele predicted a resounding Democratic victory in the midterm elections, driven by voters' hunger for accountability. He cautioned that even if Trump's pace slows, allies like Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller and Kash Patel will maintain the momentum, benefiting directly and indirectly from the president's agenda.
