Experience Stern | Faculty & Research

Since taking office, the Trump administration has launched an aggressive assault on the institutions, norms, and values that sustain American democracy. Attacks on independent media, political retaliation against law firms and charities, demands to control universities, and efforts to punish dissent have become defining features of this moment. Comparisons to the authoritarian drift seen in Hungary, Turkey, and elsewhere are apt; authoritarian leaders often begin by isolating and weakening civil society. But the Trump administration is underestimating the strength of American institutions.

We are beginning to see early signs of meaningful resistance. Charitable foundations, law firms, and universities — pillars of American society — are beginning to organize, defend themselves, and stand together against these threats.

Business leaders now face a pivotal choice: Will they join these civil institutions and mount a collective defense against a government that not only threatens market stability, investor confidence, and economic growth but also the fundamental well-being of democracy? Or will they remain passive as the United States retreats from its democratic roots? As they consider stepping up, they should look to civil society for inspiration about how to respond.

Read the full Just Security article.
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Michael Posner is the Jerome Kohlberg Professor of Ethics and Finance, Professor of Business and Society and Director of the NYU Stern Center for Business and Human Rights.