That's the thing, they can't really defend themselves in the court of public opinion. And just take a look here at the comments from people who have absolutely nothing to do with the domain.
I know I would be frustrated.
If if they were able, how could they possibly win people over? They've violated our trust, privacy, and (arguably) our legal rights. Even if they're literally keeping the nation from being taken over by China or Russia, they're also the bad guys. I can accept that it's possible I'm better off with them than without them... but I hate them, because they abuse me.
The idea that they wouldn't win over a majority of Americans seems unlikely.
They can definitely manufacture consent, but for many that won't even be necessary at this point.
Maybe there's some string of successes they can't brag about, but they still regularly defend themselves in the court of public opinion and further often dominate the discussion.