Full Breakdown
Ross Douthat’s “Anti-Anti-Trump” Turn: From Early Skeptic to Defensive Defender
7/29/2026, 7:50:41 AM
Core Shift: Douthat’s Evolving Stance on Donald Trump
Ross Douthat, a longtime opinion columnist for The New York Times, has moved from early skepticism of Donald Trump’s politics to a position that downplays the former president’s authoritarian and fascist tendencies. The New Republic notes that, despite his initial doubts, Douthat now seeks to rationalize Trump’s behavior while simultaneously critiquing Democratic “resistance” displays. This dual approach has placed him in a niche that some observers describe as an “anti-anti-Trump” persona among the American intelligentsia.
Background: Douthat’s Role at The New York Times
Douthat has been a principal conservative voice at The New York Times for more than two decades, contributing to the paper’s opinion section since 2009. His latest book, *Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious*, was published in 2025, underscoring his continued presence in public intellectual debates.
Reception and Criticism
Critics on the left have condemned Douthat for what they see as a willingness to castigate Trump’s opponents while offering only limited scrutiny of the president and his policies. The New Republic characterizes this backlash as stemming from Douthat’s perceived alignment with an “anti-anti-Trump” stance, suggesting that his commentary now serves to shield Trump from substantive critique even as he questions the president on specific issues.
Implications for Public Discourse
Douthat’s shift illustrates how prominent media figures can reshape political narratives, potentially influencing how elite audiences interpret Trump’s legacy. By framing Democratic resistance as performative and minimizing concerns about authoritarianism, his commentary may contribute to a broader trend of normalizing Trump-aligned viewpoints within traditionally liberal platforms. This development highlights the fluidity of ideological alignments among opinion leaders and raises questions about the role of established columnists in shaping partisan discourse.
