Four months into his second term, US President Donald Trump has launched a high-stakes campaign against three pillars of American society: mainstream media, elite universities and the nation’s most influential law firms. Through lawsuits, executive orders and threats to funding, he has exerted unprecedented pressure on many institutions, sparking debate about whether his actions signify genuine reform or personal vendettas.

Critics argue that these confrontations reflect a desire to settle old scores rather than drive meaningful change. Regardless, it raises urgent questions about the future role of these institutions in upholding democracy.

To gauge public sentiment, American broadcaster Michael Smerconish recently polled his audience on which sector – major law firms, academia or the media – is most vital to the nation’s interests.