What Next | Daily News and Analysis Why Are So Many Institutions Caving to Trump?
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Jul 30, 2025 
Jonathan Last, the editor of The Bulwark, dives into the unsettling trend of institutions capitulating to Trump’s influence. He discusses how university presidents and corporate leaders choose resignation over confrontation, raising concerns about integrity. The conversation tackles the political pressures in tech and education, explores the consequences of prioritizing institutional interests, and draws parallels between politics and professional wrestling, revealing a world where loyalty often outweighs ethical considerations.
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Widespread Institutional Caving
- Many institutions, from universities to corporations, are caving to Trump's demands to secure funds or favor.
- This widespread surrender weakens resistance against authoritarianism and normalizes capitulation.
Jerome Powell's Quiet Defiance
- Jerome Powell resisted Trump's inaccurate budget claims during a press conference, showing subtle but firm disagreement.
- This rare instance of institutional pushback contrasts sharply with widespread caving elsewhere.
Elites Must Resist Authoritarianism
- Those in secure, high-status positions have a moral duty to resist authoritarian demands and slow the erosion of institutions.
- Doing so won't guarantee victory but can delay authoritarian advances and buy time.