The Democratic Party’s malicious compliance strategy

Published February 4, 2025 1:58pm ET



President Donald Trump’s first term popularized the phrase “fake news.” In the early days of his second term, it looks like the next phrase people will become familiar with is “malicious compliance.”

Malicious compliance occurs when bureaucrats directed to do something by law implement an overly strict interpretation of that law to inconvenience or scare people into opposing.

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.