Donald Trump’s presidency has been marked by controversy, division, and attacks on various institutions, but one aspect that has caused significant concern among scholars and citizens alike is his war on higher education, free speech, and political dissent. This aggressive approach has drawn comparisons to the infamous anti-Communist Red Scare of the 1950s, a dark period in US history characterized by fear and political repression. To understand the depth and impact of Trump’s actions, we turned to three leading scholars of McCarthyism and political repression in the US and asked them to compare Trump’s war to the Red Scare. Their response was unanimous – it’s worse and much broader.
Professor Ellen Schrecker, a renowned historian and expert on McCarthyism, believes that Trump’s attacks on higher education are reminiscent of the Red Scare but with a significant difference. “What sets Trump’s war on higher education apart from McCarthyism is that it’s not just about rooting out supposed Communist sympathizers, but it’s an all-out assault on knowledge itself,” she explains. “Trump and his administration have consistently denied scientific evidence and expertise, attacked critical thinking and intellectual diversity, and have attempted to censor and control what is taught in universities. It’s a dangerous and unprecedented attack on the foundation of our democracy.”
Schrecker points to examples such as the Trump administration’s budget proposal to slash funding for critical research and education programs, the appointment of climate change deniers to key positions in government agencies, and the threats to revoke federal funding from universities that do not align with the administration’s political views. She also notes the increasing trend of conservative speakers being invited to college campuses and using their platforms to spread hate and divisive rhetoric, often leading to violent clashes. This, she argues, is a direct attack on the principles of academic freedom and free speech, essential elements of a thriving academic environment.
Professor David Cunningham, a leading scholar on political repression and social movements, agrees with Schrecker’s assessment and adds that Trump’s war on higher education is also part of a broader assault on political dissent. “The Red Scare specifically targeted individuals for their political beliefs, but Trump’s attacks on higher education and free speech are aimed at silencing any opposition to his administration’s policies and actions,” he explains. “By labeling any dissenting voices as ‘unpatriotic’ or ‘radical,’ Trump and his allies are attempting to delegitimize and silence any critique of their agenda.”
Cunningham points to the current climate of fear and intimidation created by the Trump administration, where government officials, journalists, and even private citizens have faced attacks and harassment for speaking out against the administration. He also notes the use of executive power to ban travel from certain countries, targeting specific immigrant groups and religious minorities, and the implementation of policies that stifle peaceful protests and limit access to information. “It’s a disturbing trend that harkens back to the tactics used during the Red Scare, but on a much larger scale,” Cunningham asserts.
Professor Erica Ryan, a scholar of US social and cultural history, believes that one crucial difference between the Red Scare and Trump’s war on higher education and free speech is the role of technology. “Today, we have social media and other digital platforms that allow for the rapid and widespread dissemination of information,” she says. “This can be an incredibly powerful tool for political dissent and challenging authority, but it also opens the door for the spread of disinformation and propaganda. Trump’s administration has taken full advantage of this, using it to attack and discredit anyone who criticizes them.”
Ryan also notes the use of surveillance and monitoring of communication and social media by the government, particularly targeting activists and marginalized communities. “This type of invasive surveillance was a hallmark of the Red Scare, but with advancements in technology, it’s much easier and more widespread,” she explains. “It creates a chilling effect on free speech and political dissent, making people afraid to speak out for fear of being targeted and labeled as ‘enemies of the state.'”
In conclusion, it is clear that Trump’s war on higher education, free speech, and political dissent is a significant and troubling development in US politics. This is not to downplay the atrocities and human rights violations of the Red Scare, but rather to emphasize the wide-reaching and insidious nature of Trump’s actions. As Professor Schrecker aptly puts it, “Trump’s attacks are not just targeting a specific group or ideology, but they
