Former GOP Leader Warns U.S. Institutions Buckled Quickly Under Trump’s Pressure

 

Former Republican Chair Says U.S. Institutions Faltered Under Trump’s Pressure

Washington: Michael Steele, a former chairman of the Republican National Committee, has sharply criticized what he describes as the rapid retreat of major American institutions during Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, arguing that key pillars of democracy failed to stand their ground when challenged.

In recent remarks, Steele said the most striking development of Trump’s first year back in office was not the president’s aggressive governing style, but how swiftly law firms, universities, and parts of the media adjusted their behavior rather than resisting political pressure. According to Steele, institutions that were expected to act as safeguards instead chose accommodation, often to protect funding, access, or influence.

Steele, who was the first Black chair of the RNC and once a leading Republican strategist, said the administration employed a broad, high-speed approach that overwhelmed established norms. Faced with legal threats, funding freezes, and regulatory scrutiny, many organizations opted for negotiated settlements or policy changes instead of prolonged confrontation. He noted that only a small number of institutions resisted—and, in his view, those that did are now better positioned.

The former party leader also pointed to federal actions affecting elite universities and major law firms, saying the use of financial and administrative leverage sent a clear message across the institutional landscape. While some entities pushed back, Steele argued that most calculated the cost of resistance as too high.

Despite this assessment, Steele said public sentiment may be shifting. He pointed to large-scale protests, growing criticism from civil society groups, and signs of renewed debate within cultural and media organizations as evidence that resistance is slowly re-emerging. Still, he warned that Trump’s political influence does not rest on the president alone, but on a network of allies determined to advance his agenda.

Looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections, Steele predicted a strong Democratic showing driven by voter demand for accountability. He said many Americans are increasingly focused on holding not only the president, but also senior officials, advisers, and administrators responsible for actions that test democratic norms.

Steele, who has voted for Democratic candidates in recent elections while remaining formally affiliated with the Republican Party, said the coming political cycle will center on institutional accountability rather than presidential impeachment. In his view, congressional oversight and electoral outcomes will determine whether those who enabled controversial policies face consequences.

He added that recent Democratic victories at the state level and redistricting developments suggest momentum may be building. “These are signals from voters,” Steele said, indicating growing concern about governance, checks and balances, and the long-term health of U.S. democracy.

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