Trump has clearly expressed his desire for absolute power, which has led him to withhold funds that Congress has already approved. He has also removed oversight officials tasked with preventing presidential abuse, all without facing any resistance from Congress. Furthermore, his trade policies, particularly the tariffs, are starting to take a toll on the U.S. economy, potentially pushing the nation toward a recession. With no congressional oversight, Trump is streamlining government agencies into a structure that prioritizes obedience, leaving them fearful of dissent.

The judicial branch played a critical role in blocking many of Trump’s executive actions, stepping in as the legislative branch, often criticized as inept and ineffective, failed to assert its authority. Federal judges issued nationwide injunctions to halt policies deemed unconstitutional, reinforcing the judiciary’s role as a guardian of constitutional principles.

Meanwhile, the legislature, crippled by partisan gridlock and rendered inept, failed to muster the resolve to challenge Trump’s sweeping initiatives. In the absence of meaningful legislative action, the judiciary was compelled to step in as the sole defender of constitutional principles, issuing decisive rulings to block executive overreach. This stark imbalance underscored the judiciary’s critical role in preserving the balance of power—a burden it was forced to shoulder when other branches faltered in their duty to uphold democratic governance.

The judiciary stood as the last line of defense against Trump’s executive overreach, blocking numerous orders deemed unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Congress, crippled by partisan gridlock and rendered inept, passed the “No Rogue Rulings Act” to limit district judges’ ability to issue injunctions—a move critics argue undermines judicial independence. Trump further eroded public trust in the judiciary by labeling judges as “activist Judges” and calling for their impeachment, actions that fueled concerns about politicization. Legal experts warn that these efforts, combined with weakened legislative oversight, risk granting unchecked executive power and threatening the balance of democracy.

Now, Trump turned his attention to colleges and universities, exerting significant pressure on higher education institutions, demanding adherence to a series of policy shifts that many educators and administrators viewed as intrusions into academic freedom. These demands were framed as necessary for enforcing fairness, accountability, and compliance with federal priorities, which is just a smokescreen for him to control colleges and universities.

Trump demanded the dismantling or significant alteration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The Trump administration argued that such programs fostered divisions rather than unity, and it pressed universities to adopt merit-based admissions policies supposedly free from preferential treatment. Additionally, institutions were urged to increase cooperation with federal immigration authorities, a mandate that placed sensitive operational priorities under a political lens.

Universities faced stark choices in navigating these pressures. For example, Harvard University emerged as a prominent case of resistance by staunchly refusing to eliminate its DEI initiatives, even if it meant risking billions in federal funding. This decision underscored a commitment to academic freedom and the protection of educational values that many schools hold dear. Other institutions, such as Columbia University, found themselves negotiating compliance on various points in order to mitigate financial backlash. The divergent reactions among prominent universities highlight both the diversity of institutional priorities and the complex interplay of financial, ethical, and political considerations. Columbia University should not give in to Trump’s demands. At the same time, all Universities should stand up to Trump and not give ground because if they do, Trump will make it worse for any institution of higher education..

Once more, this is Trump’s executive overreach into the autonomy of higher education. By setting conditions on federally funded institutions, the administration was seen as blurring the lines between government policy and private academic choice. This interference not only threatened the independence of academic research and teaching but also raised questions about the future role of federal bodies in shaping educational curricula and institutional priorities.

Donald Trump has no right to push these demands on universities. As higher education navigates this terrain, the resistance observed at institutions like Harvard serves as a reminder of the importance of academic freedom and the enduring value of independent thought within a democratic society. This resistance also reinforces the broader principle that safeguarding institutional autonomy is essential for maintaining a vibrant, critical, and innovative academic environment.

The First Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the freedom of the press. It explicitly states that Congress shall make no law abridging this freedom, ensuring that the press can operate independently without government interference. This protection is a cornerstone of American democracy, safeguarding the free flow of information and fostering an informed citizenry. In saying this, Trump’s presidency began its direct assault on the foundational principles of press freedom. By branding critical media as “fake news” and “the enemy of the people. Trump also excluded major outlets like CNN and the Associated Press from White House briefings and pursued investigations into dissenting journalists. His administration systematically undermined the role of the press as a watchdog of democracy. Public media organizations such as PBS and NPR were also targeted, with dismissive rhetoric like “woke” used to justify attempts to defund them. Figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene amplified these attacks, further eroding trust in independent journalism. While supporters framed these actions as accountability measures, the broader implications reveal a chilling pattern of censorship aimed at silencing opposition and controlling the narrative—a stark challenge to the First Amendment and the democratic ideals it protects.

We, the people, must stand our ground and prevent Donald Trump and his lackeys from overthrowing our Government and establishing an oligarch dictatorship.

To protect our democracy from Trump and the GOP, let’s unite behind Democrats and independents who champion progress and a brighter future. Your vote matters—it’s your voice, your vision, your future that drives change. Together, we can make it happen.

This has been updated to fix minor issues with the text.