The threat to liberty in America is growing daily, with freedom under fire as the new isolationist regime celebrates its first 100 days. On Monday 5 May, the literary arts staff at the NEA were laid off. The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities are institutions that are part of the cultural infrastructure of the States. They are targeted for closure.
The War on ‘Woke’
What is ‘woke’, really? At its core, it is a form of tolerance. It may have spun out of control, amplified by the hysteria of social media, but the principle is, in essence, to treat each other with respect and decency regardless of, and in acceptance of, our differences. Surely there’s nothing wrong with that?
Freedom vs Mind Control
Creativity and independent thought are being dismantled, as egalitarian and inclusive funding programs supporting cultural and media institutions across the continent are cancelled.
The NEA has supported hundreds of publishers, 600 translators and 3,800 writers. Foreign films are seen as a threat to national security so a 100% tariff will be imposed on foreign films and films made outside America.
The Trump administration’s ideological stance will significantly impact small presses, particularly those focused on publishing translations and African American literature.
The administration’s priorities include projects that “celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence,” “foster AI competency,” and “make America healthy again,” as well as those that “elevate the Nation’s HBCUs and Hispanic Serving Institutions,” “support Tribal communities,” and “support the economic development of Asian American communities.”
How do Ideas from Elsewhere Enrich a Nation’s Culture?
It’s all about cultural fermentation, opportunity and evolution: new ideas, perspectives and practices challenge the status quo, stimulate creativity, inspire the collective imagination. To create new hybrid expressions that could not exist in cultural isolation disrupts cultural complacency and fosters empathy and cosmopolitanism.
The view that ignorance is a source of prejudice is a central theme in Plato’s philosophy, and is as relevant as ever today. Whether it’s fear or hatred of anyone seen as foreign or strange, climate change denial, or misinformation-fuelled politics, individuals are increasingly sticking to their ideological mindsets, doggedly reinforced by echo chambers rather than by reason and proven factual evidence. As in Plato’s allegory, those who try to expose the truth — scientists, whistleblowers, independent journalists — are invariably ridiculed or attacked; ignored or sidelined.
Free Your Mind, Be Curious, Relish All That the World Has to Offer!
You can’t fear what you understand: shared literature, art, food, fashion, storytelling in all its forms help us all to be more open and less tribal. When a country shuts its borders to cultural exchange, it doesn’t preserve its culture, it embalms it like a corpse. Do you want to live in a museum — a nationalistic mausoleum — forever looking backwards not forwards, in a state of nostalgic longing and sentimentality? Surely the thrill of new horizons, of living in a place with a heartbeat, growth and vibrancy is more exciting and uplifting?
An Attack on Literary Expression
Many small presses have historically relied on NEA grants to support their visionary work bringing international literature to English-language readers as they publish innovative, original books. For instance, Open Letter Books in Rochester, New York, (now part of Deep Vellum Publishing, based in Dallas) received a $40,000 grant in 2020 to support its Emerging Voices project.
A few days ago, Deep Vellum Publishing announced that their NEA arts grant has been terminated. As did Transit Books in Oakland, California — a nonprofit publisher which focuses on international and American literature, including translations.
Mary Gannon, executive director of the Community of Literary Magazines and Presses, told Publishers Weekly that of the 51 CLMP member publishers awarded individual NEA grants for 2025, at least 38 have received letters saying that their grants were withdrawn or terminated. The NEA grants to all 51 publishers added up to over $1.2 million.
American Organisations Under Threat Specialising in Translation or Avant-garde Literature
Akashic Books in Brooklyn, New York, is dedicated to publishing urban literary fiction and political nonfiction by authors who are ignored or overlooked by the mainstream.
Archipelago Books in Brooklyn, New York, is a nonprofit press devoted to contemporary & classic world literature in translation.
Copper Canyon Press in Port Townsend, Washington, is a nonprofit, independent poetry publisher founded in 1972. Its core belief is that poetry is vital to language and living.
Coffee House Press in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a nonprofit publisher founded in 1972, specialising in literary fiction, essay, poetry, and other work that doesn’t fit neatly into genre categories.
Europa Editions, based in New York, was founded in 2005 by the owners of the Italian press Edizioni E/O. It is renowned for publishing international fiction, including bestsellers like the Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante.
Interlink Publishing in Northampton, Massachusetts, founded in 1987, specialises in works of literature-in-translation, history, activism, politics, art, cultural guides, award-winning cookbooks, and illustrated children’s books.
BookBlast interview Michel Moushabeck
BookBlast Review The Book of the Sultan’s Seal
The Feminist Press in New York publishes books that ignite movements and social transformation.
Graywolf Press in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a nonprofit literary publisher of poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and work in translation.
BookBlast Review Tropic of Violence by Natacha Appanah
Milkweed Editions in Minneapolis, Minnesota is a nonprofit publisher of literature for adults and young adults based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
New Vessel Press is an independent publishing house based in New York City which specialises in fiction and narrative nonfiction in translation.
BookBlast interview Michael Wise
BookBlast Review The Madeleine Project
Noemi Press is a nonprofit publisher founded in 2002 specialising in works by women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of colour) and LGBTQIAP (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual +) writers.
Restless Books in Brooklyn, New York, is an independent, nonprofit publisher devoted to championing essential voices from around the world whose stories speak to us across linguistic and cultural borders.
Seven Stories Press in New York City publishes uncompromising political books, fiction, and poetry. It was founded in 1995 by Dan Simon, and named after the seven authors who committed to a home with a fiercely independent spirit.
Two Lines Press in San Francisco, works out of the Center for the Art of Translation and exclusively publishes books in translation.
Transit Books is a nonprofit publisher of international and American literature, based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Wakefield Press in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was founded in 2009 by Marc Lowenthal and Judy Feldmann. It focuses on avant-garde literature in translation.
Words Without Borders is a non-profit online magazine dedicated to expanding access to international literature by translating and publishing works into English. I was an early contributor to Words Without Borders before it rose to international prominence.
Take Action!
So if you’re a book lover, reader and supporter of liberty, and concerned about small presses under threat, what can what you do to preserve the oxygen of literary American originality and intellectual freedom in the face of funding cuts, political pressure and cultural gatekeeping?
? Buy directly from the independent publisher’s website instead of from Amazon.
? Many small presses run subscription models or Patreon campaigns, or accept direct donations. Regular monthly support — even 5 USD — is a help.
? Share news about books from these presses on social media, review them, write about them in newsletters and blogs. Word of mouth helps boost visibility, not only sales.
? Start or join reading groups featuring titles from small presses. Genuine discussions are the enemy of censorship.
? Ask your local library or independent bookshop to consider less-known titles and stock books from small presses.
? Organisations like PEN America, National Coalition Against Censorship and the Banned Books Week Coalition fight systemic censorship. Support and amplify their work.
? Library boards, school boards, local councils are battlegrounds for free expression. Show up, speak up, vote, demonstrate.
? Team up with others to create resource-sharing initiatives like buying co-ops, shared distribution, emergency funds for small presses under threat.
? If you’re a writer, editor, or translator, consider pitching to or volunteering with independent publishers as they need sharp minds and strong pens!
? Free speech means protecting expression nationwide. Censorship often begins at the margins: don’t just support the presses that publish what you agree with.
Ray Bradbury’s dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 published by Ballantine Books in 1953 is set in a future American society where books are banned and firemen burn any that are found. The new isolationist regime has approximately 995 days left in office, so don’t let Ray Bradbury’s dystopian vision become a reality!
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