A disturbing pattern is emerging with an increasing number of prominent figures and institutions seemingly yielding to his influence

New York, N.Y. –– As President Donald Trump’s second term progresses, a disturbing pattern is emerging with an increasing number of prominent figures and institutions seemingly yielding to his influence, prompting alarm over the potential erosion of democratic principles and independent governance.

This capitulation, dubbed “ring kissing” by critics, contrasts sharply with a steadfast group of resisters, creating a stark divide that has analysts and citizens worried about the future of opposition to Trump’s assertive leadership style.

Among those perceived to have backed down is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who, after a March 19 call with Trump, agreed to a ceasefire with Russia despite ongoing aggression, raising concerns about Ukraine’s autonomy.

The U.S. Supreme Court, too, has drawn criticism for recent rulings, including a March 15 decision expanding executive authority, which some see as aligning with Trump’s agenda, threatening judicial independence.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum, facing tariff threats, conceded to border security demands on March 20, fueling fears of diminished national sovereignty.

In New York, Mayor Eric Adams shifted from critic to supporter, praising Trump’s infrastructure plans on March 18, a move that has unsettled residents worried about local priorities being sidelined.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s backing of a Republican spending bill on March 13 has sparked accusations of surrender, deepening Democratic Party fractures.

Columbia University canceled a Trump-critical symposium on March 17 under donor pressure, while the NYC law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore declined to challenge Trump’s executive orders, prompting concerns over intellectual and legal integrity.

Yet, resistance endures.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Senator Bernie Sanders remain outspoken, with AOC decrying Trump’s congressional sway on March 21 and Sanders urging defiance on X.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi continues her critiques, while journalist Lia McCausland risks retaliation with exposés on Trump’s circle.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pushes back against policy cuts, and multiple federal judges have issued rulings, like a March 20 immigration injunction, countering Trump’s directives.

Adding to this resistance are governors from Maine, California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, and New York.

In Illinois, Gov. JB Pritzker has vowed to protect state residents, rejecting cooperation with mass deportation plans.

Maine’s Governor Janet Mills, California’s Gavin Newsom, Connecticut’s Ned Lamont, New Jersey’s Phil Murphy, and New York’s Kathy Hochul have similarly signaled defiance, with Murphy openly stating he’s “willing to try anything” to thwart Trump’s policies, according to posts on X.

Even Canada and Greenland resist, with Canada rejecting trade concessions on March 19 and Greenland rebuffing Trump’s acquisition overtures on March 21.

This growing list of resisters contrasts sharply with those submitting to Trump’s influence, amplifying concerns about a consolidating power base. “The more who capitulate, the harder it becomes for resisters to hold the line,” warned political scientist Dr. Emily Tran on March 20.

Posts on X reflect public anxiety, with terms like “King Trump” trending alongside fears of authoritarian drift. Zelensky’s concessions, for instance, have sparked debate over whether U.S. pressure—potentially tied to Trump’s Ukraine power plant remarks—compromises allied nations.

Domestically, the Supreme Court’s shift and Schumer’s legislative retreat have progressives fretting over lost checks and balances.

Adams’ pivot in NYC, a liberal stronghold, has locals questioning federal overreach, while Cravath’s stance suggests even legal bastions may waver. Columbia’s cancellation hints at broader institutional vulnerability.

The resisters, though, offer hope amid the unease.

AOC and Sanders rally grassroots support, while Pritzker and fellow governors signal a state-level firewall against Trump’s agenda. Federal judges’ rulings provide legal pushback, and Canada’s stance bolsters international defiance.

Yet, with Trump’s influence deepening, the question looms: can this resistance withstand mounting pressure, or will more join the “ring kissers,” leaving democracy further exposed?

Fear as More Leaders Bow to Trump While Resistance Persists (March 26, 2025)

#TrumpPower #RingKissers #ResistTrump #PritzkerDefies
#AOCStands #DemocracyInPeril #GovernorsFight

Tags: Trump, Zelensky, Supreme Court, Mexico, Adams, Schumer, Columbia University,
AOC, Sanders, Pelosi, Jeffries, Pritzker, Maine, California, Connecticut, New Jersey,
Cravath, New York, federal judges, Canada, Greenland, politics, resistance