David Brooks Urges Civic Uprising Against Trumpism

Conservative New York Times columnist David Brooks has called for a comprehensive national civic uprising to counter what he describes as a multifront assault on foundational institutions by Trumpism. He argues that Trumpism's focus on consolidating raw power threatens constitutions, legal systems, scientific institutions, and universities by undermining checks on executive authority. Brooks contends that sectors like law, academia, and business have responded independently and ineffectively, making coordinated resistance necessary. He urges Americans from all walks of life—including universities, law, business, nonprofits, science, and civil servants—to unite in a mass movement using lawsuits, strikes, rallies, and other nonviolent methods. Progressive commentators and activists have welcomed Brooks' shift, stressing the urgency for a rival movement capable of stopping the authoritarian trend. This marks a significant stance from a traditionally moderate conservative.