Venting at Democrats and Fearing Trump, Liberal Donors Pull Back Cash

Democratic donors are pulling back their financial support amid frustrations with party performance and fears of repercussions from Trump’s administration. This decline affects liberal organizations dedicated to various civil rights causes. A noticeable drop in small-dollar donations signals broader anxiety among supporters, impacting the ability to mount effective opposition against the right-wing government.

In the wake of President Trump’s new administration, the financial support for liberal groups is taking a hit. Many traditional donors are pulling back their contributions, expressing frustration with Democrats’ failures and harboring fears of retribution from Trump. This atmosphere of uncertainty is leaving organizations that advocate for voting rights, L.G.B.T.Q. equality, and immigrant rights shaken and struggling to secure funds needed to resist the rightward shift of the government.

The once steady stream of small donations, a lifeline during the first Trump presidency, has drastically slowed down. Liberal voters, feeling demoralized and anxious, are holding off on their support. Specifically, many charitable foundations that once actively funded progressive causes are now redirecting focus towards bracing for what they expect to be investigations from a Republican-led Congress.

Additionally, some of the most influential liberal donors have halted their financial support, voicing concerns over a perceived lack of direction from the Democratic Party. With growing anxiety about possible backlash from an unfriendly administration, there are reports that a handful of previously reliable donors are now contemplating alignment with Trump or trying to gain his favor.

Generally, it’s not unusual for fundraising to decline after a presidential loss, especially leading into significant midterm elections. However, an informal survey of over 50 donors and strategists reveals that many Democrats feel this situation is unlike past experiences. Although Trump has yet to take direct action against any liberal groups, the chilling climate created by his campaign threats is worrying many within the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors that form the backbone of civil activism in the U.S.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com