As we gear up for a potential second term of Donald Trump, it’s clear that things could get even more intense than the first time around. Trump and his MAGA supporters have already set their sights on four crucial areas of opposition that played key roles in resisting him during his first term. Let’s break down these areas and why it’s important to protect them.
1. Universities: The Battle for Truth
Universities have always been at the forefront of discovering and sharing the truth, and that often means calling out the lies of powerful figures like Trump. But Trump has made it clear that he plans to change the way colleges are accredited — a move that could force universities to fall in line with his political agenda. In fact, Trump’s “Project 2025” calls for replacing independent accreditors with state-controlled ones, making it easier to control what’s taught in colleges. If universities lose their accreditation, they risk losing federal funding, which would severely limit their ability to operate. Trump has also threatened to increase taxes on university endowments, making life even harder for institutions already under pressure. It’s a dangerous move that could have lasting consequences on the education system.
2. Nonprofits: Silencing the Forces for Change
Nonprofits are essential in fighting for causes like the environment, voting rights, and immigration rights — but Trump and his allies are determined to stop them. Recently, Republicans passed a bill that would allow the Treasury to strip the tax-exempt status of any nonprofit it deems to be supporting terrorism. This bill doesn’t differentiate between foreign and domestic terrorism, making it easier to intimidate nonprofits into silence. We’ve already seen this kind of intimidation at the state level, with efforts to shut down charities that help immigrants. This is a worrying sign that Trump’s allies may target nonprofits in the name of suppressing activism.
3. The Media: A Threat to Free Press
The media plays a critical role in keeping those in power accountable. But Trump and his supporters are taking aim at news outlets that challenge their narrative. From defamation lawsuits to threats of revoking broadcast licenses, Trump is trying to silence any media outlet that dares to speak out. His ally, Kash Patel, has even promised to “take on the mainstream media,” labeling it as one of the country’s greatest enemies. Meanwhile, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have already given in to Trump’s demands, allowing misinformation to spread unchecked. The fight for a free press is more important than ever.
4. Organized Labor: A Struggle for Workers’ Rights
Labor unions were once a powerful force in American politics, fighting for workers’ rights and standing up to political power. But today, union membership has dropped significantly, and organized labor is no longer the strong opposition it once was. Trump has made it clear that he’ll stand against efforts to organize workers, and even some union leaders have shown support for him. With only 6% of private-sector workers in unions today, the ability of organized labor to resist Trump’s agenda is uncertain.