A prominent law firm found itself in hot water after one of its former attorneys had investigated a high-profile figure. This figure, now in a position of power, decided to use his influence to target the firm. The firm, known for its work in civil rights and corporate law, was suddenly facing a serious threat. The powerful figure ordered a review of the firm's federal security clearances, termination of federal contracts, and restrictions on employee access to federal buildings. However, this threat was quickly diffused when the firm agreed to provide legal services to support the administration's causes. This event highlighted how the powerful figure was using his position to punish adversaries and extract concessions from various institutions.

  The firm's capitulation was seen as a significant moment, showing how the powerful figure was able to impose his will across different sectors of American life. This included law firms, academia, Silicon Valley, and corporate boardrooms. The figure's approach was clear: punish those who had crossed him and extract concessions from those who might. This strategy was not limited to law firms. Columbia University, for example, made policy changes under the threat of losing billions of dollars in federal funding. The university agreed to bar students from protesting in academic buildings, adopt a new definition of antisemitism, and put its Middle East studies department under new supervision.

  The powerful figure's tactics were not without criticism. Some saw it as a form of extortion, inviting others to cave under pressure. Others, however, argued that the figure was acting within his rights as the president. The figure's approach was not new. He had telegraphed his intentions during his campaign, promising retribution for those who had wronged him. The question was: retribution for what exactly? Against whom? By what means? The answers came soon enough.

  The figure's Justice Department moved quickly to fire members of special counsel teams and prosecutors who had investigated him. The White House followed up with executive orders targeting law firms that had represented figures opposed to the administration. One firm called the threat an "existential crisis, " fearing that even a courtroom victory would not erase the perception that it was "persona non grata" with the administration. The firm's chairman decided to cut a deal, pledging pro bono legal services for various causes. The outcry was swift, with lawyers outside the firm ridiculing the capitulation.

  The figure's pressure campaign extended beyond law firms. Universities and media companies were also targets. Columbia University, for example, agreed to implement changes sought by the administration after facing the threat of losing federal funding. The university's resolution was condemned by some faculty members and free speech advocates. The figure's tactics were seen as a threat to academic freedom and campus expression nationwide.

  Media companies were also not spared. ABC News and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, agreed to pay millions to settle lawsuits filed by the figure. The administration also took action against news organizations whose coverage it disagreed with, removing Associated Press reporters and photographers from the president's press pool. The administration sought to dismantle Voice of America, a U. S. government-funded international news service, but a federal judge halted plans to fire more than 1, 200 journalists and other staff.

  The figure's tactics were seen as a way to punish adversaries and extract concessions from various institutions. However, they also raised questions about the independence of the legal profession, academic freedom, and freedom of the press. The figure's approach was clear: use the power of the presidency to impose his will and punish those who had crossed him. The question was: at what cost?

The Price of Defiance: How One Leader's Retribution Shaped Institutions

Actions