Aware of Trump's Desire for Retribution, Experts Appear Shy to Speak Up - The New York Times

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Aware of Trump's Desire for Retribution, Experts Appear Shy to Speak Up - The New York Times

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/11/us/politics/trump-retribution.html?unlocked_article_code=1.V08.XD_M.diuP19rl8Sl4&smid=url-share

A chill in Washington
When we write a story like this, we reach out to experts who can put what we are writing about in context. Drawing on their work experience or academic expertise, they can help us — and our readers — understand whether and why an incident we are covering is unusual, or which laws might apply to it.

These individuals are often more than willing to share what they know. Being publicly identified as an expert can bolster someone’s professional standing.

But in this case, people we had quoted previously about important matters related to Trump, refused to speak with me about Comey.

This appeared to be the latest development in what my colleague Elisabeth Bumiller described in March as “a chill spreading over political debate in Washington and beyond.” It reflects a growing reluctance to speak publicly that my colleagues and I have noticed this year from voters, federal employees and many others.

It’s not the kind of thing that would usually make headlines because, after all, we’re talking about people not talking. But it’s worth remarking upon as we watch the culture in Washington change before our eyes.