The Political Scene | The New Yorker

Donald Trump’s War on Culture Is Not a Sideshow

12 snips
Sep 1, 2025
Adam Gopnik, a Staff writer at The New Yorker, dives deep into the culture wars ignited by Donald Trump. He discusses how Trump's actions target fundamental cultural institutions like the Smithsonian and the John F. Kennedy Center, indicating a concerning shift towards authoritarianism. Gopnik warns that these moves aren't just distractions but part of a larger agenda that threatens democratic pluralism. He draws unsettling parallels to historical regimes, emphasizing the need for vigilance in protecting artistic freedom and diversity.
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INSIGHT

Arts Are Central To The Culture War

  • Donald Trump broadens the "culture wars" to include arts institutions, not just race, gender, and sexuality debates.
  • Adam Gopnik argues these moves target pluralist cultural institutions and are central to his agenda, not mere distractions.
INSIGHT

State Control vs. Cultural Debate

  • Gopnik distinguishes normal cultural debate from state-imposed artistic doctrine.
  • He warns that declaring a political line for the arts transforms pluralism into authoritarian control.
INSIGHT

Pluralism Is A Democratic Pillar

  • Pluralist cultural institutions are as foundational to democracy as free elections and the rule of law.
  • Gopnik says a national stage should host diverse voices without loyalty tests.
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