Donald Trump’s administration, just a couple of months into its term, has rapidly pushed to seize control of both the media and academic institutions. Drawing from Project 2025, which aims to centralize executive power while undermining the legislative and judicial branches, Trump’s approach appears more aggressive than ever.
Congressional Republicans are largely supporting his agenda, and Democrats seem increasingly powerless against the GOP’s dominance. Only the courts and struggling financial markets have managed to provide some resistance, but Trump has largely dismissed these checks on his power.
Trump’s Aggressive Tactics Against Media and Academia Undermine Critical Institutions and Dissent
Trump’s administration has aggressively targeted the media, employing lawsuits and bans to silence criticism. Networks such as CBS and ABC have faced legal action, with ABC News settling for $15 million in December. Trump has also referred to critical broadcasters like CNN and MSNBC as “political arms” of the Democratic Party.
In addition, the administration has taken aim at the White House press pool, banning the Associated Press from covering events like the Oval Office and Air Force One. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to divide media outlets and reduce their collective influence.
Trump’s Crackdown on Media and Academia Intensifies Threats to Democracy and Institutional FreedomThe Trump administration has similarly set its sights on universities, with Columbia University becoming a focal point due to pro-Palestinian protests on its campus. The administration’s response included pulling $400 million in federal grants from Columbia and targeting individual activists.
This action mirrors the broader conservative campaign against perceived “wokeness” in academia, with figures like Elon Musk also leading efforts to challenge the NIH’s focus on diversity. While the administration claims these actions are aimed at addressing antisemitism, critics argue they are part of a larger attack on academic freedom.
United Resistance Against Authoritarianism: Media and Academia Must Defend Core Democratic Values
To counteract these attacks, institutions like the media and universities must stand united in defense of their core values. Silence or appeasement only emboldens authoritarian tactics. The case of Columbia shows that concessions to right-wing critics have not protected institutions, but rather made them more vulnerable. As political scholars argue, remaining passive in the face of mounting authoritarianism is morally wrong and ineffective. Higher education and media organizations must push back collectively, recognizing that an attack on one institution is an attack on all.
Defending academic and media institutions requires collective action, akin to union solidarity. Though there are legitimate critiques of both sectors, their protection is essential for preserving democratic norms and institutions.
Disagreeing with certain aspects of the media or academia should not lead to compromising their integrity. Trump’s administration is waging a broader war on free thought, aiming to control the narrative and undermine institutions that support democratic discourse. It is crucial that these institutions band together to protect their independence and resist the encroaching authoritarianism.
