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Dennis Donovan

(30,739 posts)

14. Syracuse.com: 'Do not get discouraged': Obama urges universities and law firms to stand up to Trump

Fri Apr 4, 2025, 09:35 AM

Apr 4

Syracuse.com - (archived: https://archive.ph/eYYzh ) ‘Do not get discouraged’: Obama urges universities and law firms to stand up to Trump

Updated: Apr. 04, 2025, 6:52 a.m.|Published: Apr. 03, 2025, 9:26 p.m.

/snip/

But Obama said while he disapproved of new tariffs that sparked the stock selloff, he was more worried about Trump’s attacks on American values.

“I’m more concerned with a federal government that threatens universities if they don’t give up students who are exercising their rights to free speech,” Obama said, without ever citing Trump by name. “The idea that they can say to law firms that if you represent parties we don’t like we’re going to pull all our business is contrary to the basic compact we have as Americans.”

Trump, a Republican first elected after Obama’s two terms, has threatened to withhold billions in federal funds from universities unless they change their policies on diversity and student protests. He has also revoked security clearances for lawyers in liberal law firms.

Obama urged universities, law firms and citizens to fight back.

“If you’re a law firm being threatened, you might have to say, ‘We might lose some business because we stand for a principle,‘” the Democratic former president said. “If you are a university you might have to say, ‘We stand up for what we believe in and we’ll pay our researchers for a while from our endowment.‘”

/snip

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10 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

malaise Doodles greatauntoftriplets pattyloutwo Justice matters.RockCreek byronius Dock_Yard FakeNoose Rhiannon12866

44 replies

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Highlight:

Holy Shit - Obama finally speaks out [View all] malaise Apr 4 OP

I think of the double standard often..what if Obama had orally sexed a mic? Demovictory9 Apr 4 #1

Double standard is mild malaise Apr 4 #2

You mean the idiocracy wouldn't have cheered? mdbl Apr 4 #7

Post removed Post removed Apr 4 #34

whining? Kali Apr 4 #39

Trump is softening the country up for the day he has Mark Elias thrown into jail. Wait for it. Raven Apr 4 #3

I fear you're right. And, this BS about going after Quakerfriend Apr 4 #4

I do, too. calimary Apr 5 #40

Thrown into jail? Wednesdays Apr 4 #22

Well, thrown in jail "elsewhere" (without any Due Process). Justice matters. Apr 4 #29

Republicans are picking and choosing which parts of the Constitution they will follow, surfered Apr 4 #5

I think in the end they'll trash the whole thing, erronis Apr 4 #6

Cafeteria constitutionalists. BattleRow Apr 4 #18

ding. this. AllaN01Bear Apr 4 #21

That would make an excellent protest sign LittleGirl Apr 4 #28

Who barred people from recording this? Emile Apr 4 #8

Maybe someone who didn't want Obama's words to be re-arranged by AI to say things he didn't say? Attilatheblond Apr 4 #13

his voice has been recorded enough times Conjuay Apr 5 #44

Good question malaise Apr 4 #16

Now then, President Obama has to get out front, and stay there. SalamanderSleeps Apr 4 #9

Agreed . . . markpkessinger Apr 4 #24

Agreed............. DENVERPOPS Apr 4 #26

"The most important office in this democracy Danascot Apr 4 #10

Shaming the G.O.P. hypocrites -- It's what Jesus Would do BoRaGard Apr 4 #11

Good on Obama. It's about time! Now keep doing it. wordstroken Apr 4 #12

Syracuse.com: 'Do not get discouraged': Obama urges universities and law firms to stand up to Trump Dennis Donovan Apr 4 #14

Few if any have the dynamism of this man. Prairie_Seagull Apr 4 #15

Obama has class, Trump is just an ass IronLionZion Apr 4 #17

Well said as usual paleotn Apr 4 #19

I guess the felon's wet dream of a failing casino in Gaza needs... Justice matters. Apr 4 #30

President Obama is right, but he is "WRONG"! maxrandb Apr 4 #20

Long live the MAGA double standard, the only standard they know. Martin68 Apr 4 #23

Fine so far as it goes . . . markpkessinger Apr 4 #25

agree. RockCreek Apr 4 #32

I'm sorry, but one unrecoreded long overdue speech doesn't cut the mustard. flashman13 Apr 4 #27

this RockCreek Apr 4 #31

Prez Obama could shut down J-9 Apr 4 #33

Call Orange Adolf's bluff thought crime Apr 4 #35

This message was self-deleted by its author BidenRocks Apr 4 #36

No Chump hasn't revoked Secret Service protection for Obama or any other former President FakeNoose Apr 4 #37

Someone filmed it Figarosmom Apr 4 #38

Parts of it were broadcast on PBS NewsHour, MSNBC, CNN and the networks: Rhiannon12866 Apr 5 #41

Thanks malaise Apr 5 #42

You're more than welcome! Rhiannon12866 Apr 5 #43