The article frames Trumpism as a multifaceted assault on American institutions, aiming to dismantle checks on power. It cites attacks on law firms, USAID, universities, NATO, and global trade as examples.
The author criticizes the fragmented responses of the targeted institutions, arguing that independent reactions allow Trump to conquer through division. They advocate for a unified, concerted effort to counter these attacks.
The piece highlights varying responses: some law firms uniting in support of Perkins Coie, while others seek individual peace; Harvard resisting demands, unlike Columbia which reached a deal. This illustrates the author's point about a disorganized defense.