Critics Warn of ‘The Great Capitulation’ as Institutions Acquiesce to Trump’s Second Term

Following President-elect Donald Trump’s narrow 2024 election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, some of his former critics, including prominent CEOs like Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, have reached out to him. However, a coalition of Democrats and Never Trump conservatives continues to sound the alarm about what they view as a significant threat to U.S. democracy.

In a December 22 article for The Guardian, David Smith explores what critics are calling “The Great Capitulation,” highlighting the ways individuals and institutions are seeking Trump’s favor. “Tech chief executives, media organizations, and foreign leaders are seeking the president-elect’s favor ‘through donations, self-censorship, and appeasement,’” Smith writes. Analysts attribute this to a mix of fear, greed, and the belief that resistance is futile.

Tara Setmayer, a former GOP strategist and outspoken Never Trump conservative, expressed dismay at the rapid acquiescence. “Part of the shock of the Trump win is how quickly and how many people in various areas, from the media to politicians, are acquiescing in advance,” Setmayer told The Guardian. “People are resigning themselves to self-preservation over the good of maintaining a free and fair democracy and resisting Trump.”

One striking example involves Bezos, who had previously criticized Trump. According to Smith, the Amazon CEO, who owns The Washington Post, reportedly blocked an editorial board endorsement of Harris before the election and has since expressed optimism about Trump’s second term.

Setmayer warns that such appeasement is misguided and dangerous. “The way some in the mainstream media have already decided that acquiescence is their way of self-preservation is not only naive but dangerous,” she said. “Media is acting out of fear. And by way of acting out of fear, they are giving Trump the favor that he wants.”

Steve Schmidt, a veteran GOP strategist and Never Trumper, has also issued stark warnings. “He’s entering office as the most powerful president in American history,” Schmidt told The Guardian. “He is an American Caesar, unrestrained. Trump has made a threat and said: I’m coming after people.”

Bill Kristol, editor of The Bulwark and another prominent Never Trumper, expressed concern over the speed of institutional surrender. “He’s not a theoretical authoritarian… but like a cunning bully and mob boss. The guardrails are good, but they need people to uphold them,” Kristol explained. “I’m struck by the apparent speed of the capitulation.”

As Trump prepares for his second term, critics argue that resistance, rather than accommodation, is essential to preserving democratic norms.