Summary
Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented assault on free speech, using executive orders to suppress viewpoints he opposes.
His administration has targeted DEI initiatives, transgender rights, pro-Palestinian protests, and immigrant advocacy, pressuring organizations to comply or face funding cuts.
The government detained and attempted to deport a Palestinian activist for protesting, revoked federal grants from Columbia University over anti-Semitism claims, and punished law firms opposing Trump.
Media outlets critical of Trump face exclusion from coverage. Lawsuits challenging these actions argue they violate the First Amendment.
As has been eagerly demonstrated by for-profit companies and their lackies, many in the US are happy to self-censor. The chilling effect will be more than sufficient, as has already been shown, to subvert anything left of a “free press”, and individuals will have all the weight of the economic and political power imbalance thrown at them to make an example and this will chill speech, as the Columbia Student kidnapping by the brownshirts shows.
What I am suggesting is the kidnapping of the Columbia student will instill fear but will not ultimately lead to his deportation or any charge of any crime and ultimately he will be free to protest again.
I hope I’m right.
You may be right, you may not. My point is, whether him or something else, the point is to instill fear to chill such speech, and that will be successful regardless as it will go unpunished.
Yeah we’re saying the same thing from different angles.