Former Republican chair Michael Steele says US institutions yielded to Trump

Michael Steele, a former Republican National Committee chair, says law firms, universities and parts of the media quickly yielded to pressure after President Trump returned to office, and he argues voters want accountability as midterm elections approach.

Michael Steele, a former chair of the Republican National Committee, said America's institutions yielded quickly to President Trump after his return to office. He argued law firms, universities and parts of the media stepped back under pressure rather than resisting. Steele made these observations as the first anniversary of the president's second inauguration neared and with midterm elections for Congress on the horizon. Key points: - Steele said law firms, universities and media gave in quickly to reported pressure following Trump's return to office. - He cited reported measures including threats directed at law firms and funding freezes for universities, with the article noting reported federal grant and contract freezes exceeding $5bn. - Steele said voters want accountability and suggested that this sentiment could translate into gains for Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections. Summary: Steele described a rapid institutional response that he sees as having political consequences and prompting calls for accountability. He linked that atmosphere to potential Democratic gains in the midterms and pointed to recent election results as indicators. Undetermined at this time.