As President Trump pressures elite institutions in New York City for financial agreements and loyalty pledges, leaders grapple with moral dilemmas. They must choose between defending their values and facing potential repercussions or yielding to Trump's influence to protect their organizations. Reactions vary: some have challenged the administration, while others have negotiated deals, drawing public ire for perceived capitulation. This climate of coercion has surprised figures like former Governor David Paterson, who expected more resilience from influential leaders. The situation exemplifies a broader struggle between political power and institutional integrity in the face of adversity.
The hard choices they face seem almost to be pulled from the pages of a college ethics textbook: Fight back and put your institution and even your livelihood in jeopardy? Or yield and risk compromising foundational values and ideals?
Mr. Trump has sought financial agreements, fealty pledges and other concessions from all across the United States, and even from other countries.
I have been surprised at the rush at times to assuage the White House from activity that has gone on from people who I just thought would display more courage.
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