March 7th, 2025

People Are Going Silent': Fearing Retribution, Trump Critics Muzzle Themselves

Critics of Trump are increasingly silent due to fears of retribution, impacting political discourse and raising concerns about authoritarianism, as public figures prioritize safety and institutional stability over vocal opposition.

Read original articleLink Icon
People Are Going Silent': Fearing Retribution, Trump Critics Muzzle Themselves

In the wake of President Trump's second administration, a notable silence has emerged among critics, driven by fears of retribution. Individuals from various sectors, including federal employees, university leaders, and business executives, express concerns about online attacks, potential harm to their businesses, and threats to their families. This atmosphere of intimidation has led many to avoid public criticism of Trump, even as he signals a willingness to retaliate against dissenters. Prominent figures, including Republican senators, have altered their stances or refrained from commenting on contentious issues, fearing primary challenges or backlash from Trump's supporters. Experts warn that this behavior reflects a troubling trend towards authoritarianism, as societal actors modify their behavior to evade government wrath. While some, like Michael Roth, president of Wesleyan University, openly criticize the administration's tactics, many remain silent, prioritizing institutional stability over vocal opposition. The chilling effect extends to both parties, with some Democrats also hesitating to confront Trump due to fears of personal safety. The situation raises concerns about the health of political discourse and the potential erosion of democratic norms, as individuals weigh the risks of speaking out against a powerful political figure and his allies.

- Critics of Trump are increasingly silent due to fears of retribution.

- Many public figures are concerned about personal safety and business repercussions.

- Experts warn of a shift towards authoritarianism in political discourse.

- Some individuals, like university presidents, choose to remain silent to protect their institutions.

- The chilling effect affects both Republicans and Democrats, stifling open debate.

Link Icon 5 comments
By @ZeroGravitas - about 1 month
One of the aspects of the Stormy Daniels story that I didn't feel got enough traction amongst all the jokes was this bit:

> a guy walked up on me and said to me, “Leave Trump alone. Forget the story.” And then he leaned around and looked at my daughter and said, “That’s a beautiful little girl. It’d be a shame if something happened to her mom.”

An article about it thought it sounded outlandish but found other examples:

> My name is Carmine. I don’t know why you’re fucking with Mr. Trump but if you keep fucking with Mr. Trump, we know where you live and we’re going to your house for your wife and kids.

https://www.vox.com/2018/3/26/17164212/stormy-daniels-trump-...

By @aurareturn - about 1 month
In my adult life, I've never personally experienced a rise of a dictator-like figure that I've seen countless times in movies and documentaries.

This is feels very similar.

By @zfg - about 1 month
It's been going on for a while. Congressmen and senators have allowed threats of violence to control how they vote:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/11/mitt-ro...

To quote the article, "Some of the reluctance to hold Trump accountable was a function of the same old perverse political incentives—elected Republicans feared a political backlash from their base. But after January 6, a new, more existential brand of cowardice had emerged. One Republican congressman confided to Romney that he wanted to vote for Trump’s second impeachment, but chose not to out of fear for his family’s safety. The congressman reasoned that Trump would be impeached by House Democrats with or without him—why put his wife and children at risk if it wouldn’t change the outcome? Later, during the Senate trial, Romney heard the same calculation while talking with a small group of Republican colleagues. When one senator, a member of leadership, said he was leaning toward voting to convict, the others urged him to reconsider. You can’t do that, Romney recalled someone saying. Think of your personal safety, said another. Think of your children. The senator eventually decided they were right."

That is not a well functioning democracy.

By @userlander - about 1 month
Cowards. If you're not able to do your job and speak truth to power out of fear then you don't belong in office.
By @raverbashing - about 1 month
Wow really? And what was NYTs role in all that huh? I think they need to look in the mirror a bit