During Donald Trump’s initial presidency, opposing him became fashionable. It was often profitable as well, to the extent that Trump appeared more a comedic figure than a leader. His desire to be a celebrated icon often clashed with public ridicule.

The current climate shows a different picture. Once-strong public voices now face consequences that seemed unimaginable. For instance, journalist Don Lemon found himself in jail, while “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” ended unexpectedly, illustrating shifts in political and media landscapes. The renowned news program “60 Minutes” faced turmoil amidst allegations of interference.

This represents a glimpse into a less-free America. Despite recent setbacks for Trump, such as his Reflecting Pool episode and a notable military defeat, his influence remains evident. Prominent figures previously vocal against Trump are now quieter.

Last year, Selena Gomez, connecting her roots to undocumented immigrants, expressed distress over immigration policies through social media. Her comments attracted a massive backlash, notably from Piers Morgan and others, prompting her to remove the post. Political expressions at award shows have dwindled, and even “Saturday Night Live” seems more subdued.

Jennifer Lawrence shared her shifted perspective in a recent interview, stating that celebrity opinions no longer sway voters and that sharing opinions might worsen division. This sentiment reflects a broader trend among public figures. Interestingly, Tucker Carlson, a far-right commentator, now voices more criticism against Trump than many former members of the so-called #Resistance.