Is Civility Coming In Trump II? Should we give up on the idea of civil discourse after the American people have elected Donald Trump? Short answer: no, we should not give up on the idea or ideal of civil discourse in a second Donald Trump administration. But those seeking to heal partisan divides and to restore civility and respect to American discourse may have to be patient and wily. Possibly, President-Elect Trump’s vows to “punish or prosecute” political opponents or news outlets with unfavorable coverage will become reality.