The growing pattern of obedience to Donald Trump, well before his official return to the presidency, represents a dangerous step toward solidifying his ascent to the imperial presidency. Organizations like ABC/Disney, the Los Angeles Times, Meta/Facebook, and Amazon have shown a disturbing willingness to align with the former president, signaling a troubling shift in the landscape of American democracy.
ABC’s $12 million “donation” to the Trump library, Amazon and Facebook’s $1 million “contributions” to his inauguration, and the Washington Post’s owner, Jeff Bezos, derailing the paper’s endorsement of Kamala Harris, are glaring signs of deference to Trump, whether to incur favor or mitigate his threats of retribution. This is not mere support; it is a submission to power that undermines journalistic integrity and independence.
MSNBC hosts Joe Scarboro and Mika Brzezinski’s visit to Mar-a-Lago right after the election speaks volumes. It’s a signal that those in positions of influence are more eager to cozy up to Trump than challenge his dangerous rhetoric and actions.
But one of the most glaring examples of pre-emptive capitulation comes from FBI Director Christopher Wray, a Trump appointee. Wray chose to resign instead of completing the remaining two years of his term as Director. This act of cowardice further encourages Trump to act on his worst impulses, sending a message that his hold on power is untouchable, even within the institutions meant to safeguard democracy.
These acts of cowardice embolden Trump by signaling that even those who should be holding him accountable are willing to cede power. This disturbing trend of obedience is a grave threat to American values, as it sends the message that no one—whether in media, business, or government—is willing to stand up against his authoritarian grip.
We must reject any attempts to normalize authoritarianism by those seeking to gain Trump’s favor. It is up to us, the new resistance, standing firm in defense of the rights of all Americans to live the lives they choose, not what the extreme right tells them.
Join our movement by visiting https://www.norwinareademocrats.org/ and don’t forget to subscribe to The New Resistance https://substack.com/@newresistance
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