Trump's Expanding Culture War: A Deeper Look

Understanding Trump's Tactics

In the second year of his renewed presidency, Donald Trump has turned his calculated aggression toward a broad range of private sector institutions. While the media often focuses on Trump's use of military force or abuses of presidential power, I believe it's vital to pay attention to his oppressive techniques that extend deep into the realms of commerce, education, and activism.

A Constricting Environment for Nonprofits

Trump and his allies have created a chokehold on a myriad of organizations, notably impacting nonprofits. Institutions that oppose Trump's agenda now face the real threat of losing financial support and facing punitive measures. As political scientist Shari Berman suggests, we are witnessing an administration successfully weakening the constraints that non-governmental entities have historically operated under.

The nonprofit sector, which traditionally serves as a vital part of civic life, has become increasingly subject to intimidation. Kim Lane Scheppele, a sociologist at Princeton, points out that over a third of U.S. NGOs lost federal funding in the first half of 2025, a telling statistic that reflects the scale of Trump's influence.

“NGOs are nervous—some are pulling back from causes that the administration does not support...,” Scheppele explained. This climate of fear is threatening civic engagement and impeaching the foundational role of NGOs.

The Widening Cultural Divide

It's essential to understand that the culture war being waged isn't just about Trump versus the left; it's about a fundamental shift in the balance of power. In a fast-changing media landscape, institutions that once championed journalistic integrity are bending to pressure, risking their credibility for survival. For instance, CBS has undergone immense transformations, reportedly influenced by Trump allies who now have stakes in the company's operations.

Matthew Dallek, a political historian, notes that Trump's administration has enabled cultural institutions to shift their posture—many have transitioned from resistance to accommodations, acknowledging a new status quo. Content that once faced scrutiny is becoming increasingly acceptable under Trump's influence, turning social media platforms into more welcoming spaces for fringe ideas.

Contradicting Conservative Principles

Trump's encroachment into both public and private sectors sends a direct contradiction to the traditional conservative ethos that advocates for limited government interference. Yet, for Trump, regulation is not seen as a hindrance but a weapon. This cultural shift places organizations that traditionally espouse conservative values at odds with a government they once aligned with.

Responses and Resistance

As Trump's administration sees some initial victories in this culture war, institutions are beginning to resist. For instance, the administrations of several universities have rejected offers that demanded they modify their policies to align with conservative ideology. The University of Arizona is among those institutions pushing back and affirming its commitment to academic freedom, showing the potential for institutions to reclaim this crucial space.

“A federal funding system based on anything other than merit would weaken the world's pre-eminent engine for innovation,” remarked a university president, indicating a shift towards defiance against Trump's pressure tactics.

The Road Ahead

The ultimate implications of Trump's culture war extend far beyond the here and now. We are at a dangerous crossroads where America's democratic institutions are subject to a relentless assault. Scholars are starting to draw parallels between Trumpism and fascist regimes, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of this 'revolution' in governance.

As we navigate through these turbulent times, accountability remains essential. Investigative journalism will continue to play a critical role in exposing these patterns and advocating for change. Our role as watchdogs is more vital now than ever.