Liberal Donors Pull Back Cash Amid Frustrations with Democrats and Fears of Trump

Liberal donors are pulling back cash due to frustration with Democrats’ performance and fears of retaliation from Trump. This trend leaves progressive groups struggling for funds and raises concerns about the future of their advocacy efforts. Many prominent donors are rethinking their contributions, leading to a significant chill in financial support that could impact critical causes.

Liberal donors are in a tough spot as they grapple with frustration toward Democrats’ failures and fears of retribution from President Trump. This has led to noticeable funding cuts for liberal groups, which are now struggling to mount effective opposition against the shifts happening in the federal government. It’s a challenging moment for those who count on financial support to advocate for progressive causes.

In the early days of Trump’s presidency, there’s been a marked decline in the small-dollar donations that fueled much of the resistance during his first term. Shaken by recent events, many liberal voters have turned off the donation spigot, resulting in a slowdown that these groups are not accustomed to. The repercussions are far-reaching, affecting everything from voting rights advocacy to immigrant support efforts, as long-time charitable foundations rethink their financial strategies.

Some major liberal donors have hit the pause button, expressing a mix of disappointment in the Democrats’ direction and fear of the president’s potential vendettas against those who openly oppose him. It’s troubling to hear that a few donors, who once staunchly supported liberal causes, are even considering siding with Trump to avoid fallout. This is a concerning trend that highlights the fear permeating the donor class.

Typically, fundraising slows after presidential defeats, especially as attention shifts to crucial midterm elections. Yet, interviews with over fifty donors, strategists, and activists indicate that the current climate is particularly anxious. While Trump hasn’t directly targeted liberal institutions yet, the language he employed during the election—often taunting and threatening—has resulted in a notable chilling effect on supporters of civil society, leaving them wary of potential repercussions.

It’s a perfect storm of disillusionment and unpredictability. Some Democrats are increasingly worried about how this mistrust towards the party leadership could hinder their financing and ultimately their effectiveness. As we navigate this turbulent political landscape, the ability for liberal groups to rally necessary financial support seems dim, and the implications for American civil society could be profound.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com