Michael Steele, a former chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC) and now a vocal critic, expressed surprise at how swiftly America’s institutions gave in to “the bully” during Donald Trump’s first year back in office.
With the midterm elections approaching, Steele anticipates a strong Democratic win as voters seek to hold the president and his supporters accountable for jeopardizing democracy.
At 67, Steele was the first Black chair of the RNC and is known for coining the phrase “Drill, baby, drill!” during his speech at the 2008 Republican national convention. He has been a steadfast opponent of Trump’s influence over the party and currently co-hosts The Weeknight on MS NOW, a network leaning towards liberal viewpoints.
As Trump’s second inauguration anniversary nears, Steele noted that while the president’s authoritarian challenges to constitutional norms were somewhat anticipated, he was taken aback by how quickly many law firms, universities, and media organizations succumbed.
“The only thing that would be surprising is the speed with which institutions collapsed,” he stated in a recent phone conversation. “I thought that there would be more resistance from lawyers and institutions of higher learning than we’ve seen.
“The administration came out with an everything-everywhere-all-at-once approach that overwhelmed institutions and processes. It became easier to give in than to resist. The few institutions that did resist showed that in the long run it was likely a better strategy.”
Trump aimed at law firms opposing his policies or involved in investigations related to the 2016 election. His threats included revoking security clearances, limiting access to federal buildings, and canceling government contracts. Many firms ended up negotiating settlements requiring them to provide pro bono legal services aligned with Trump’s interests.
The White House also imposed funding freezes totaling over $5 billion on elite universities tied to investigations regarding alleged antisemitism; diversity initiatives; or perceived liberal biases. This prompted many schools to negotiate financial settlements along with policy changes for reinstating their funding-Harvard being one notable exception.
Steele remarked: “Once you beholden yourself to a bully, you will always be bullied. It’s not a complicated narrative. I’m not surprised by where we are but I am shocked at how fast we got here. Within six months of taking office, Donald Trump had pretty much dismantled everything he could get his hands on while those who should have fought back just cowered.”
As Trump’s first year progressed, some dissenters started finding their voice. Millions participated in No Kings protests. Disney brought back ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after facing backlash over suspending him due to comments about Charlie Kirk-this criticism coming from unions, free speech advocates, some Republicans, plus millions of canceled subscriptions.
However, Steele warned that even if 79-year-old Trump’s momentum slows down during his second year in office, his allies are motivated to keep pushing forward. “I suppose eventually an old man will tire out but he has plenty of support from people like [Steve] Bannon and [Stephen] Miller and [Kash] Patel who will maintain momentum.”
“They know what he wants. They have bought into his demands. They see direct benefits from what’s happening so they’ll continue pursuing those goals.”
Steele grew up in Washington D. C., studied at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and spent three years training as a seminarian with the Order of St Augustine before preparing for priesthood. He joined the Republican party in 1976 and made history as Maryland’s first Black statewide official when he served as lieutenant governor from 2003 until 2007.
He took charge of the RNC just ten days after Barack Obama became America’s first Black president in 2009. Under his leadership during the 2010 midterm elections, significant gains were made by Republicans across Congress and state legislatures but lost his position as chairmanship shortly after that year went by.
From early on Steele opposed Trump fiercely while also engaging with anti-Trump Republicans at Lincoln Project alongside building a media career path that led him through roles as pundit then presenter on MSNBC-which recently rebranded itself MS NOW-co-hosting The Weeknight since May alongside Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend.
He continues being critical towards Trump’s actions publicly such as when John F Kennedy Center for Performing Arts got renamed “Trump-Kennedy Center”, prompting him post online saying: “So pathetic. Such a lonely desperate cry for acceptance-a craving not even his family can satisfy – he has to appropriate another family’s legacy.”
In both elections held back-to-back including Joe Biden’s victory over Donald Trump plus Kamala Harris running again this time around too-he still hasn’t left behind republican affiliation describing himself instead simply like this: A “Motel 6 Republican” who keeps leaving lights on hoping party finds its way home toward original values once again someday soon enough while also anticipating future repercussions against numerous enablers enabling autocracy all along their journey together through politics leading up till now ahead beyond further into uncertainty together moving forward onward evermore ahead without respite nor pause whatsoever..
For me it matters greatly how Democrats engage effectively amongst independent-minded folk alike within GOP similar folks-should we focus thoroughly holding every single last one responsible? Sure enough someone may still act according solely upon directives given under presumed authority yet ultimately Donald won’t remain leader forever meaning accountability must eventually come knocking sooner rather than later!
It seems pertinent continuing dialogue heading into ’26 cycle surrounding why precisely it remains vital Democrats capture Congress outright hence making Senate competitive too! More Americans seem ready increasingly demanding justice whilst encouraging transparency around processes resulting thereof subsequent developments transpiring inevitably forthwith throughout ongoing developments revealed..
It ain’t impeachment anymore since efforts failed twice previously-but individuals serving capacities such secretaries directors advisers ought remain answerable having meaningful ramifications forthcoming! With Trump’s ratings dropping significantly lately-we anticipate minimum gain no less than thirty-five House seats upcoming midterms scheduled November next round arriving soon thereafter! Observations reflect uncanny parallels comparing current political landscape mirroring sentiments felt throughout historic era seen sixteen years earlier paving pathways ahead laying foundations accordingly! Former chair noted progress achieved previously regarding successful Democrat-led campaigns conducted recently across several states coupled assorted propositions approved proving essential signals emanating directly resonating strongly amongst public sentiment conveyed reflecting attitudes demonstrated via votes cast positively resonating loudly underscoring readiness responding appropriately realized clearly articulated going forward together!
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It seems pertinent continuing dialogue heading into ’26 cycle surrounding why precisely it remains vital Democrats capture Congress outright hence making Senate competitive too! More Americans seem ready increasingly demanding justice whilst encouraging transparency around processes resulting thereof subsequent developments transpiring inevitably forthwith throughout ongoing developments revealed..
It ain’t impeachment anymore since efforts failed twice previously-but individuals serving capacities such secretaries directors advisers ought remain answerable having meaningful ramifications forthcoming! With Trump’s ratings dropping significantly lately-we anticipate minimum gain no less than thirty-five House seats upcoming midterms scheduled November next round arriving soon thereafter! Observations reflect uncanny parallels comparing current political landscape mirroring sentiments felt throughout historic era seen sixteen years earlier paving pathways ahead laying foundations accordingly! Former chair noted progress achieved previously regarding successful Democrat-led campaigns conducted recently across several states coupled assorted propositions approved proving essential signals emanating directly resonating strongly amongst public sentiment conveyed reflecting attitudes demonstrated via votes cast positively resonating loudly underscoring readiness responding appropriately realized clearly articulated going forward together!
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