FAMU disables comments on social media posts about Marva Johnson sparking Trump-like comparisons

Marva Brown Johnson's one-day old administration is facing explosive accusations of employing Trump-style authoritarian tactics after abruptly disabling comments on its social media platforms—a move critics decry as an "Orwellian" bid to silence dissent over her very new and embattled presidency. The decision, which follows months of escalating protests against Johnson’s selection, has drawn stark parallels to Trump-era strategies to suppress criticism and control narratives.

The university’s communications team quickly the locked comment sections, Friday, on all its social media platforms amid a fresh wave of outrage over Johnson’s first-day video, which detractors argue was highly scripted and relied heavily on her reading from a teleprompter. “Disabling comments is a blatant attempt to remove ‘improper ideology’ and stifle dissent so Marva and her GOP allies can handpick the voices they hear,” said a viral post by one FAMU alum. “This is straight from Trump’s MAGA playbook: if you don’t like the feedback, shut it down.”

Johnson, whose tenure began August 1, has faced relentless opposition since her controversial selection in May. Over 300 students, alumni, faculty, and community members participated in public forums ahead of her appointment, with many bluntly rejecting her credentials. “We Don’t Want You! You are not qualified to lead a Top 100 Public University and the  No. 1 Public HBCU,” Johnson was told at least five times during sessions during her campus visit during the interview process.  Critics highlight her lack of academic leadership experience, a corporate background many described as lackluster, and a political background many argued clashes with FAMU’s mission.

The backlash intensified last week after the university promoted a Tallahassee Democrat article featuring five of Johnson’s friends praising her readiness for the role—a piece widely mocked for excluding FAMU-affiliated voices. The post, which garnered over 700 mostly negative replies , was labeled “tone-deaf propaganda.” 

“There’s this narrative: ‘Give a Black woman a break,’” said prominent FAMU alumna Kim Godwin, the former head of ABC News, in a now viral Facebook post. “But when you’re unqualified, ignore stakeholders, and rake in more money than any FAMU president in history—funds diverted from campus programs—you don’t get a pass. This is a hostile takeover, not leadership.”

First-day video slammed
Godwin, further,  slammed Johnson's first day video message, by saying “How do you start day one with a video? Most presidents I know show up!”

The administration’s approach has drawn alarming comparisons to DeSantis/Trump’s playbook, particularly its reliance on tightly controlled messaging and dismissal of dissent. “Like DeSantis and Trump, Johnson is attempting to consolidate power through heavy-handed tactics,” said a FAMU political science professor who wished to remain unnamed for fear of retaliation.  “Silencing critics, handpicking sycophants—it’s authoritarianism 101.”

FAMU has yet to address the comment ban.