Publishing Company Sparks Controversy with Pro-Trump Post
In the buzzing world of publishing, few things create as much chatter as a sudden social media post, especially when it relates to a highly polarizing figure like President-elect Donald Trump. This time, the spotlight is shining on the marketing vice president of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Mariel Dawson, following her controversial social media activity on November 6. The post, which featured a pro-Trump graphic alongside the likes of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has led to an explosion of conversations—both online and offline—about political expression and the implications it has for a children’s book publisher.
What Happened?
Dawson’s Facebook post displayed an image depicting Trump and Musk, complete with an upbeat slogan reading, “It’s a Great Day to be an American.” While Dawson may have viewed this as an empowering statement, many in the book community saw it as a deeply concerning endorsement of an administration that has posed significant threats to the values of diversity, inclusion, and education that many publishers strive to champion.
Author Martha Brockenbrough quickly became involved in the discussion when she received screenshots of Dawson’s post from a colleague who was alarmed by the message. Brockenbrough reposted the image on various social media platforms, amplifying the conversation. This turned into a cascade of reactions from fellow authors and industry stakeholders, with many expressing feelings of betrayal and concern over the alignment of the publishing house’s values with those of the Trump administration.
Voices from the Publishing Community
The backlash did not take long to intensify. Notable voices such as Dhonielle Clayton, who serves on the board of We Need Diverse Books, echoed Brockenbrough’s sentiments while discussing the implications of Dawson’s post on social media. Authors lamented the potential impact on children’s literature, with fears that the vision for an inclusive and diverse industry could be compromised. Brockenbrough pointed out the glaring irony in Dawson’s position, questioning the long-term viability of children’s publishing if social support for educational resources dwindles.
One anonymous author remarked, “This pushed me into no,” referencing a growing disappointment with how Macmillan has handled marketing for authors of color. Another individual commented about past experiences with their LGBTQ+ YA titles, indicating a longstanding pattern of neglect in marketing from the company. Though there wasn’t any evidence proving that Macmillan intentionally favored or undermined certain titles based on political lines, the fallout from Dawson’s post raised a cloud of suspicion regarding the company’s marketing strategies.
Macmillan’s Response
As the reactions continued to swell, Jen Besser, the president of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, addressed the situation through an Instagram post. Besser emphasized the core values that the company stands for: Impact, Inclusivity, Respect, Sustainability, and Trust. She clarified that Dawson’s posts were made from a personal account and emphasized that decision-making in their marketing efforts involves more than one person’s opinion. Besser articulated that their collective mission is to connect readers to the books they publish and acknowledged the divisive climate in the current political landscape.
Calls for Accountability
Despite Besser’s attempt to reassure authors and industry colleagues, some, like Aiden Thomas, Trans and Latinx author of popular titles like Cemetery Boys, felt the response fell short. Thomas pointedly remarked that Besser would need to engage directly with authors about their concerns and how Dawson’s loyalty to an administration that threatens marginalized communities might impact her role.
A Complex Political Landscape
The situation underscores a broader struggle that many industries face in balancing personal beliefs in a professional setting. In a field that often advocates for and promotes diversity, the tension is palpable when someone from within the community expresses support for exclusionary policies. Brockenbrough captured this dilemma succinctly, stating, “We have a big tent, but we don’t want to let a grenade in.”
As the dust settles, authors, readers, and industry insiders are left navigating the complexities of maintaining their commitments to inclusivity while recognizing the diverse political opinions that exist in any workplace. The question now is: how will this event shape the future of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group and its relationship with its dedicated authors and readers?
