Donald Trump’s administration in the United States has adopted a strategy that goes beyond universities, covering a wide range of institutions and sectors. According to analysis by Professor Andre Pagliarini, from the State University of Louisiana, Trump seems to be promoting a kind of cultural revolution in the country.
According to Pagliarini, Trump’s focus is not an opposition to the academy itself, but a desire to control spheres of power that are out of his personal reach. “Trump personally wants to dictate terms for universities,” says the professor.
Pagliarini suggests that this Trump approach represents a significant change in the way of governor, with potential long -term impacts on US institutions and on the country’s own democratic structure.
The scenario of uncertainty created by this approach has significantly affected American universities. Pagliarini cites as an example a $ 160 million federal contribution granted to Louisiana State University in January 2024 for energy transition studies. A year later, the future of this money remains uncertain.
“No one knows properly will come, when it will come or not,” explains the teacher, noting that this situation reflects the strategy of “governor by uncertainty” adopted by Trump.
In addition to universities
Trump’s influence extends beyond higher education. The teacher mentions that the Republican has sought to impose his personal will on various institutions, including Kennedy Center, an important cultural institution in Washington.
This trend of personal control over parallel institutions has generated concern not only in academia, but in various sectors of American society. “Trump’s strategy seems to be creating a widespread uncertainty environment in which he feels more comfortable to rule,” he concludes.
