Trump Judge James Ho fights lonely battle against censorship in Texas.
Trump Judge James Ho fights lonely battle against censorship in Texas.
Slate by Slate
Articles tagged: Free Speech
First Amendment, censorship issues
349 articles
The Massive Problem With the Viral Fake Trump Arrest Photos
"Not everyone is up to speed on how quickly the generative AI and deep fake space is evolving," Henry Ajder, expert in examining synthetic media, told Newsweek.
Newsweek by Newsweek
Minister dismisses Musk concerns over hate crime bill
The Minister for Justice has dismissed concerns raised by Donald Trump Junior and Elon Musk over proposed new hate crime legislation in Ireland.
RTE.ie by RTE.ie
Tennessee anti-drag show law deemed 'unconstitutional' by Trump-appointed federal judge
A Trump-appointed federal judge in Tennessee has ruled that a state law limiting public drag show performances represented an “unconstitutional restriction on the freedom of speech.”
Cable News Network by Cable News Network
Trump-appointed judge says Tennessee anti-drag law is unconstitutional
Thomas Parker says law designed to place limit on drag shows would encourage ‘discriminatory enforcement’ in ruling
The Guardian by The Guardian
The Espionage Act’s Ugly, Un-American History
From Eugene Debs to Donald Trump, it’s been used to target politically disfavored opponents.
The Wall Street Journal by The Wall Street Journal
Judge restricts Biden officials from colluding with Big Tech
US District Court Judge Terry Doughty, a Trump appointee, determined Tuesday that the White House likely colluded with Big Tech to censor protected speech during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New York Post by New York Post
Trump’s Lawyers Argue Protective Order Would Violate His Free-Speech Rights
Prosecutors are seeking to protect witness testimony and other findings from disclosure beyond defense team
The Wall Street Journal by The Wall Street Journal
Jack Smith's requested gag order, like judicial orders restricting Trump's speech, seeks to balance constitutional rights
Trump has not been silenced. The limits on his speech protect fundamental rights − including his right to a fair trial by an unbiased jury and the public’s right to a working justice system.
The Conversation UK by The Conversation UK
Judicial orders restricting Trump's speech seek to balance his own constitutional rights
Trump has not been silenced. The limits on his speech protect fundamental rights − including his right to a fair trial by an unbiased jury and the public’s right to a working justice system.
The Conversation UK by The Conversation UK
The First Amendment Threat in the Trump Civil Case
New York’s Executive Law threatens to suppress scientific and political as well as commercial speech.
The Wall Street Journal by The Wall Street Journal
Judge lifts gag order that barred Donald Trump from lashing out at court staff
Judge David Friedman cited constitutional concerns about restricting Trump’s free speech.
TheJournal.ie by TheJournal.ie
Trump to test the limits of the First Amendment at high-stakes hearing over gag order constitutionality
President Donald Trump will test the limits of his free speech rights Monday when he argues to a Washington, DC, appeals court that a gag order placed on him in his federal election subversion criminal case is not constitutionally sound.
Yahoo News by Yahoo News
Court seems inclined to keep restricting Trump’s trial speech. But gag order could be narrowed
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court appeared inclined Monday to reimpose at least some restrictions on Donald Trump’s speech in his landmark election subversion case. B ut the judges wrestled with how to craft a gag order that doesn’t infringe on the former president’s free speech rights or prevent him from defending himself on…
The Hill by The Hill
Trump asks to keep gag order pause in effect, citing free speech
Donald Trump argued to keep the gag order in his fraud trial on pause claiming "vile" threats the judge has received don't justify limiting Trump's free speech.
New York Post by New York Post
Trump-Appointed Judges Shut Down Florida's 'Stop Woke Act'
The appeals court panel found that the law's provisions violate the First Amendment rights of business owners.
Newsweek by Newsweek
Trump ridicules special counsel’s gag order request in new filing in classified documents case
Donald Trump’s attorneys on Friday ridiculed special counsel Jack Smith’s gag order request in the former president’s classified documents case in Florida, calling it an unconstitutional attack on the 2024 Republican candidate and a ploy to help Joe Biden keep the presidency.
Cable News Network by Cable News Network
Trump says Christians won't have to vote after election
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has told Christians that if they vote for him this November, "in four years, you don't have to vote again. We'll have it fixed so good, you're not gonna have to vote."
RTE.ie by RTE.ie
Trump tells Christians they won’t have to vote after this election
Trump's remarks on Friday pointed to the need for both parties to energize their base voters ahead of what will likely be a closely fought election.
The Indian Express by The Indian Express
US election live: Donald Trump to join Elon Musk on X for virtual interview
Republican nominee, who has lost momentum as Kamala Harris has surged, to speak with Tesla boss in special event
The Guardian by The Guardian
Liz Truss responds after lettuce banner prank
The former prime minister was saying how she thought Donald Trump would win the US election when a political campaign group carried out the stunt.
Sky News by Sky News
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Campaign, Endorses Trump
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. halted his independent presidential bid and endorsed Donald Trump, citing internal polls showing his campaign could harm Trump and benefit Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Kennedy's move, driven by issues like free speech and the Ukraine war, has caused tension within his famed political family.
Devdiscourse by Devdiscourse
Right to enjoy property doesn't trump freedom of expression: 'Freedom Convoy' defence
The lawyer for "Freedom Convoy" organizer Tamara Lich is arguing that a person's right to freedom of expression is not trumped by another's right to the enjoyment of property.
CP24 Toronto by CP24 Toronto
NY Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal slammed for comparing Trump rally at MSG to Nazi rally
State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, 58, called on MSG officials to cancel the Oct. 27 event, claiming it could lead to “widespread violence” as he ripped into the former president and his supporters during the diatribe.
New York Post by New York Post
Trump wants CBS license revoked; FCC chair explains that isn’t going to happen
Trump’s “threats against free speech are serious,” Jessica Rosenworcel says.
Ars Technica by Ars Technica
Elon Musk’s pro-Trump critics claim they’re being censored on X
Conservative activists claim X is censoring them for being critical of its owner, Elon Musk.
TechCrunch by TechCrunch
Donald Trump has a point about diversity, equity and inclusion
The old biases the women’s movement railed against so persuasively have been replaced by new biases, almost as unfair and opaque as those of the ancien régime.
The Australian Financial Review by The Australian Financial Review
U.S. Court Sides with Trump Media in Censorship Battle
A U.S. judge favored Trump Media in a dispute over censorship by a Brazilian judge targeting right-wing voices. The ruling, protected by the First Amendment, concluded that Rumble is not obligated to comply with orders to remove U.S.-based accounts associated with Bolsonaro, indicating a win for free speech.
Devdiscourse by Devdiscourse
Toronto professor believes cancellation of his U.S. exhibition linked to Trump order
York University professor Andil Gosine spent three years developing the exhibition, which was set to open at the Art Museum of the Americas on March 21
The Globe and Mail by The Globe and Mail
U.S. Immigration Arrest Sparks Controversy at Columbia University
A Palestinian graduate student, Mahmoud Khalil, known for his role in pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia University, was arrested by U.S. immigration agents. This action follows President Trump's move to deport foreign students linked to such protests. The arrest intensifies debates on free speech and political activism.
Devdiscourse by Devdiscourse
Voice of America employees sue Trump administration over shuttered U.S.-funded news outlets
Lawsuit seeks a court order reversing the decision to shutter the U.S. Agency for Global Media
The Globe and Mail by The Globe and Mail
Columbia University Caves to Trump; Pro-Palestinian Students Fume
Interim Columbia University President Katrina Armstrong announced the actions on Friday.
Newsweek by Newsweek
Leavitt Storms Out of Press Briefing Over Free Speech Grilling
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt abruptly ended a news conference after facing tough questions over free speech. Amid ongoing tensions over...
Daily Beast by Farrah Tomazin
Trump’s protest threats raise surveillance alarms around his military parade
President Donald Trump's warning that protesters of Saturday's US military parade in Washington, DC, will be met with "very heavy force" threatens to chill speech and underscores the need for protesters to take precautions around digital surveillance, privacy…
The Verge by Lauren Feiner
Trump, on ‘No Kings’ Protests: ‘I Don’t Feel Like a King’
“No, we’re not a king. We’re not a king at all," Trump said, switching to a way of speaking known as the “royal we.”
Time by Brian Bennett
What to know about 'No Kings Day' protests across US to counter Trump military parade
Thousands of "No Kings Day" protests are set to be held throughout the country on Saturday to protest the Trump administration.
ABC News by Oren Oppenheim
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Kim Gordon Reworks “Bye Bye” Into Trump Protest Song, Shares New Video: Watch
“Bye Bye 25!” updates the lyrics from The Collective’s lead single to words that the current administration flagged to cancel grant projects or research proposals
Pitchfork by Nina Corcoran
Democrat Michigan AG Asked FBI to Raid Protesters’ Homes — But Won’t Tell Students Why
“It’s a terribly unusual thing,” a lawyer said about sealed affidavits in an investigation of alleged pro-Palestine vandalism. The post Democrat Michigan AG Asked FBI to Raid Protesters’ Homes — But Won’t Tell Students Why appeared first on The Intercept.
The Intercept by Aja Arnold
5 Targets That Fans Wrongly Slam for Taking ‘Both Sides’
‘South Park’ never said to abstain from voting. They said the exact opposite.
Cracked.com by Ryan Menezes
'Pride parades are real fringe'...
'Pride parades are real fringe'... (Third column, 2nd story, link) Related stories:Grenell says 'normal gays' vote for Trump...
YouTube
Signal – An Ethical Replacement for WhatsApp
Moving from WhatsApp to Signal is an important action, right now. WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta, has been involved in several cases of election interference: America in 2016, Trinidad and Tobago …
Greenstarsproject.org
National Park Service Invites Americans To Disappear ‘Disparaging’ History From Public Places
The Trump Administration(s) aren’t simply content to declare satire dead. Trump’s reappearance in the Oval Office demands we dig up the corpse and desecrate it. And while we’re desecrating that corpse, why not desecrate a few national landmarks? That’s the pi…
Techdirt by Tim Cushing
Bernie Sanders Roasts Joe Rogan for Siding With Government Censorship
Rogan defended Trump’s many lawsuits against various journalists
Cracked.com by Keegan Kelly
J.D. Vance Memes Are Back Thanks to Disputed Border Control Incident
Immigration authorities had to deny reports that a tourist was sent home for having an edited image of the vice president on his phone.
Rolling Stone by Miles Klee
The Moral Imperative Of Clear Language
I need to say something that will make many of you deeply uncomfortable: your refusal to call fascism “fascism” is not sophistication—it’s complicity. When Donald Trump posts explicit orders for “REMIGRATION” and “Mass Deportation Operations” targeting Americ…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Why Mamdani’s Refusal To Condemn Speech He Never Made Is Good Free Speech Advocacy
At a time when politicians on both sides reflexively call for censorship and speech policing, it’s refreshing to see someone actually defend free speech principles—especially when it would be politically easier to cave. That’s exactly what New York City Democ…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
We’re Publishing the Speech That Harvard Suppressed for Mentioning Genocide
“I wanted to center Palestine,” a Harvard commencement speaker told The Intercept. Read and watch her speech. The post We’re Publishing the Speech That Harvard Suppressed for Mentioning Genocide appeared first on The Intercept.
The Intercept by Akela Lacy
Bob Vylan Singer Asks UK Crowd to Stop “Death to the IDF” Chant Amid Police Investigation
“You’re gonna get me in trouble,” Bobby Vylan told fans at London’s 100 Club. “Apparently, every other chant is fine, but you lot will get me in trouble.”
Pitchfork by Matthew Strauss
Censorship for Citizenship
Trump’s threat to revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenship shows his conditional support for free speech.
The Atlantic by David A. Graham
Yelle Cancel North American Tour Due to “Very Worrying” U.S. Political Climate
“The current political climate in the US, especially in regard to immigration and freedom of speech, is very worrying,” the French electropop band shared. “We are now traveling as a family with our young child, so more than ever, we need to feel safe.”
Pitchfork by Matthew Strauss
What to Do With the Most Dangerous Book in America
At a perilous American moment, the Shakespeare scholar James Shapiro explains why he wanted to read The Turner Diaries.
The Atlantic by James Shapiro
Appeals Court Judge Claims (Against All Historical Evidence) That The First Amendment Doesn’t Apply To Non-Citizens
We’ve written before about how attacks on free speech often start with unpopular speakers who lack political power. That’s why a new dissenting opinion from Trump-appointed Judge Paul Matey should set off alarm bells for anyone who cares about the First Amend…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Smug Obama speechwriter provides damning reminder of Democrats' intolerance for conservatives, vax-refusers
There is an editorial genre kept alive at liberal publications around the country that is focused on questions about what to do with conservative kin and how best to prevent family members from similarly adopting viewpoints at odds with leftist values.The Huf…
TheBlaze by Joseph MacKinnon
Paramount-Skydance merger approved after companies agree to government speech demands
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved Skydance’s $8 billion purchase of CBS-owner Paramount after the companies agreed to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs but feature a “diversity of viewpoints from across the political a…
The Verge by Lauren Feiner
Has the US cancelled free speech?
Why are US professors suing to challenge the Trump administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestine activism?
Al Jazeera English
America can’t survive on lies and make-believe morality
When I was in the fifth grade, an encyclopedia salesman visited our classroom to promote his collection of 12 leather-bound books. For readers under 20, encyclopedias were the forerunners of Wikipedia — or, perhaps more accurately, Google. If you wanted to le…
TheBlaze by Albin Sadar
A new Supreme Court case asks whether children still have First Amendment rights
Let’s give credit where it is due. The current Supreme Court has a decent record on free speech issues. There have been some worrisome moves, such as the Court’s decision not to immediately reverse an appeals court decision that stripped activists of their r…
Vox by Ian Millhiser
Chatbots aren’t telling you their secrets
On Monday, xAI's Grok chatbot suffered a mysterious suspension from X, and faced with questions from curious users, it happily explained why. "My account was suspended after I stated that Israel and the US are committing genocide in Gaza," it told one user. "…
The Verge by Adi Robertson
Judge Rules FTC Investigation Of Media Matters Violates First Amendment
A federal judge has restricted the Federal Trade Commission’s investigation of Media Matters, the progressive watchdog group, finding that the agency was likely engaged in retaliatory conduct in violation of the First Amendment. U.S. District Judge Sparkle L.…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
“South Park” and the high price of free speech
With our First Amendment rights under attack, those in the best position to defend them also happen to be rich
Salon by Melanie McFarland
Judge issues injunction preventing Trump's FTC from investigating watchdog Media Matters
A federal judge has issued an injunction preventing the Trump administration's Federal Trade Commission from investigating Media Matters for America, the...
Yahoo Entertainment by Associated Press
Europe’s Free-Speech Problem
Republicans are right to criticize Europe for attacking free expression, even if that makes them hypocritical.
The Atlantic by Conor Friedersdorf
Amy Klobuchar Promotes Law Against Deepfakes While Denying She Said Sydney Sweeney Has ‘Perfect Titties’
"It had me saying vile things," writes the senator from Minnesota.
Gizmodo.com by Matt Novak
Amy Klobuchar Wants To Break The Internet Because Someone Made A Stupid Satirical Video About Her
Senator Amy Klobuchar is one of the top Democrats in the Senate. She could be fighting to protect democracy against fascists. She could be working on a new, better vision for Americans. But instead, she’s focused on breaking the internet. And now we know why:…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
President Trump’s War On “Woke AI” Is A Civil Liberties Nightmare
The White House’s recently-unveiled “AI Action Plan” wages war on so-called “woke AI”—including large language models (LLMs) that provide information inconsistent with the administration’s views on climate change, gender, and other issues. It also targets mea…
Techdirt by Tori Noble and Kit Walsh
This Week In Techdirt History: August 17th – 23rd
Five Years Ago This week in 2020, a judge forbade a Facebook user being sued by a cop from publishing the cop’s name on social media, the DC police union was suing to block the release of the names of officers involved in shootings, and we wrote about how Sec…
Techdirt by Leigh Beadon
Trump Bans Flag Burning in Direct Threat to First Amendment
President Trump on Monday signed an executive order instructing the U.S. attorney general to pursue criminal charges against anyone caught burning the American flag, blatantly violating basic freedom of speech and expression laws. “Flag burning. All over the …
The New Republic by Malcolm Ferguson
Trump Wants To Criminalize Free Speech In The Form Of Flag Burning
You may recall that Donald Trump and his supporters have insisted that he’s the “free speech” President. His first day in office this term, he issued an executive order “restoring free speech” saying that “no Federal Government officer, employee, or agent eng…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Flag burning has a long history in the U.S. — and legal protections from the Supreme Court
President Trump's executive order challenges a landmark Supreme Court decision, according to free speech attorneys.
NPR by Joe Hernandez
Clegg accuses Vance of 'hypocrisy' over free speech criticism
Many senior right-wing US figures attack UK free speech laws while "intimidating and bullying" critics, Sir Nick says.
BBC News
The Arrest That Demonstrates Europe’s Free-Speech Problem
The absurd detention of the comedy writer Graham Linehan underscores a deeper issue.
The Atlantic by Helen Lewis
The Censorship Crybabies Are Now The Censors: FDA’s Vinay Prasad Uses Copyright Claims To Silence Critic
It’s always fascinating to watch supposed “free speech warriors” reveal their true colors the moment they get a tiny bit of power. We’ve been covering the ongoing saga of various COVID contrarians who spent years falsely claiming they were “censored” by the B…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Watch What You Say
Fara Dabhoiwala considers the right to free speech the con at the heart of the Constitution because of the harms it permits. But what about the harms it prevents?
The New York Review of Books by Kwame Anthony Appiah
With Looming CBS Hire Of Bari Weiss, Two Of The Four Major U.S. Networks Will Now Be Right Wing Propaganda Mills
For fifty years or so, U.S. media academics warned anybody who would listen about the perils of letting your media companies consolidate in the hands of a bunch of rich assholes and giant, amoral corporations. Not only did America ignore those recommendations…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
Republicans pledge censorship crackdown to avenge Charlie Kirk’s death
In the wake of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk's fatal shooting, some political figures are threatening a crackdown on free speech - a cause Kirk claimed to fight for. Members of Congress, the State Department, and President Donald Trump have all attacked pe…
The Verge by Lauren Feiner
Christopher Rufo’s Cancel Culture
The right-wing activist is learning from his enemies—and changing the rules of the culture war.
The Atlantic by Thomas Chatterton Williams
Charlie Kirk Doesn’t Deserve What’s Happening To Him
I am not here to celebrate the death of Charlie Kirk. I will not, however, engage in the completely unearned celebration of his life that is happening pretty much everywhere in the wake of his murder. What’s happening now would normally be considered inexplic…
Techdirt by Tim Cushing
The Attorney General’s Attack on Free Speech
Pam Bondi stated that the federal government will “go after” Americans “if you are targeting anyone with hate speech.”
The Atlantic by Conor Friedersdorf
The Irony of Using Charlie Kirk’s Murder to Silence Debate
The conservative activist couldn’t have risen to prominence without robust free speech.
The Atlantic by David A. Graham
Carr splits from the GOP's social media crackdown after Kirk killing
Amid anger over Charlie Kirk posts, a key Trump ally said the First Amendment protects online speech.
Politico by John Hendel and Brendan Bordelon
Pam Bondi Threatens To Prosecute Hate Speech, Which Charlie Kirk Himself (Rightly) Said Was Protected Speech
Attorney General Pam Bondi just provided a masterclass in how to completely misunderstand the First Amendment while threatening to abuse government power to silence critics. In response to online criticism of Charlie Kirk following his assassination, Bondi de…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
VANCE: WATCH YOUR MOUTH!
VANCE: WATCH YOUR MOUTH! (Main headline, 3rd story, link) Related stories:MAGA VOWS TO SILENCE FOES WILL PROSECUTE 'HATE' SPEECH Drudge Report Feed needs your support! Become a Patron
Irishstar.com by Charlie Jones
Legal experts say pulling Jimmy Kimmel from air may amount to illegal 'jawboning'
Free speech scholars say ABC's decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show indefinitely represents "jawboning," when government officials pressure private companies to suppress speech.
NPR by Bobby Allyn
FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez blasts ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel
Anna Gomez, the sole FCC Commissioner appointed by a Democrat, said ABC "has put the foundation of the First Amendment in danger."
Business Insider by Brent D. Griffiths
Starbucks says customers can ask for political names on drinks after a viral video of a barista declining to write the name Charlie Kirk on a cup
A viral TikTok showed a Starbucks barista refusing to write Charlie Kirk's name on a customer's drink. Some baristas say they feel trapped.
Business Insider by Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert
Trump’s brazen attack on free speech
This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here. Welcome to The Logoff: The Trump administration is leaning into its attack on…
Vox by Cameron Peters
Barack Obama Says Trump Is Muzzling Media After Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
Barack Obama is coming out swinging in defense of the First Amendment in the wake of Jimmy Kimmel's TV show suspension ... accusing the Trump administration of trying to silence its critics. After it was revealed Wednesday night Kimmel's show was…
TMZ by TMZ Staff
‘Cowardly Corporate Capitulation’: FCC Commish Blasts Trump, Disney in Kimmel Debacle
Late-night host’s jokes “neither illegal nor grounds for companies to capitulate to this administration,” FCC commissioner Anna Gomez said.
Rolling Stone by Tim Dickinson
Kimmel Isn’t Roseanne or Gina Carano — This Time, Disney Hurt Its Own Wallet
Poynter Institute SVP Kelly McBride speaks to IndieWire about why Kimmel being pulled is a landmark moment, why he doesn't have a legal case, and why the First Amendment won't remedy the situation.
IndieWire by Christian Blauvelt
Trump Says TV Networks That Criticize Him Should Lose Their Licenses
"They're not allowed to do that," said Trump. (They're allowed to do that.)
Gizmodo.com by Matt Novak
Kirk's death fuels free speech disputes. And, vaccine panel changes MMRV guidance
Free speech has become an increasing focal point after comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination have caused people to lose jobs. And, a CDC vaccine panel rolls back MMRV vaccine guidance.
NPR by Brittney Melton
Seth Meyers says Jimmy Kimmel's suspension is a 'big moment' for democracy
"Trump promised to end government censorship and bring back free speech, and he's doing the opposite," Meyers said on his late-night show.
Business Insider by Kwan Wei Kevin Tan
Trump Says Late Night Shows Are 'Not Allowed' to Be Mean to Him
Barf Bag: The party of free speech, everyone!
Jezebel by Susan Rinkunas
Andrew Schulz and Akash Singh Condemn Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension
By Opheli Garcia Lawler Published: September 18th, 2025
Cracked.com by Opheli Garcia Lawler
Bill Would Give The State Dept. The Ability To Deny Passports To Citizens Who Criticize Israel
This isn’t anything that actually needed to be done. The federal government has plenty of options at its disposal if it thinks someone is providing material support for terrorism. It’s one of things that keeps the FBI loaded up with anti-terrorism dollars, th…
Techdirt by Tim Cushing
The free speech paradox
Jimmy Kimmel wasn’t suspended because of poor ratings. He wasn’t suspended because he crossed some ethical red line. He was suspended because the president of the United States decided to make an example of him. The supposed justification came on Kimmel’s Mo…
Vox by Sean Illing
Kamala Harris Blasts Trump Admin’s ‘Assault on Free Speech’ After Kimmel Suspension
Kamala Harris denounces the Trump administration’s attack on critics, warning of a dangerous assault on free speech.
Rolling Stone by Tomás Mier
Charlie Kirk mourned as Jimmy Kimmel supporters fear erosion of free speech
As thousands gather for Charlie Kirk’s memorial, debate rages over a clampdown on free speech in the US.
Al Jazeera English
America’s slow-motion coup speeds up: Tough lessons of the Kimmel affair
MAGA forces told us all along they wanted to crush free speech. Maybe we'll believe them now
Salon by Andrew O'Hehir
West Point is violating the First Amendment with a crackdown on professors, lawsuit says
The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is banning opinions by professors in the classroom and some books and courses in a crackdown that violates the First ...
Yahoo Entertainment by LARRY NEUMEISTER
‘The View’ Co-Hosts Weigh In on Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension: ‘No One Silences Us’
"Someone can say something they shouldn’t and get taken off the air," said Whoopi Goldberg. "But the government cannot apply pressure to force someone to be silenced"
Rolling Stone by Andy Greene
John Oliver Defends Jimmy Kimmel, Tells Bob Iger to Stop ‘Rolling Over’
"Giving the bully your lunch money doesn't make him go away—it just makes him come back hungrier each time"
Rolling Stone by Emily Zemler
Jon Stewart said Jimmy Kimmel's return shows Americans must 'fight like hell for this constitutional republic'
Jon Stewart celebrated Jimmy Kimmel's show being brought back, saying Americans need to "fight like hell" for their right to free speech.
Business Insider by Aditi Bharade
America’s Zombie Democracy
Its trappings remain, but authoritarianism and AI are hollowing out our humanity.
The Atlantic by George Packer
Donald Trump Immediately Returns To Threatening Disney Over Jimmy Kimmel’s Speech
We’ve repeated over and over again that anyone who believes Donald Trump’s claims of supporting free speech is either a brainwashed cultist or the dumbest person alive. And now, in his doddering old age, he’s becoming ever more brazen and belligerent in his a…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
What Republicans Can Do If They Really Want to Protect Free Speech
The best way to defend Americans’ expressive rights is to pass laws.
The Atlantic by Conor Friedersdorf
After Her Photos Were Seized by Police, Sally Man Predicts ‘New Era of Culture Wars’
Controversial photographer Sally Mann has warned of “a new era of culture wars” and predicted further attacks on the arts. [Read More]
PetaPixel by Pesala Bandara
Indiana’s AG Makes It Clear He’s Going To Target Anyone Who Isn’t Reverential Enough Of Charlie Kirk’s Corpse
Apparently, it’s no longer acceptable to speak ill of the dead. Not that it bothers the dead. But it certainly seems to bother a bunch of people who are still alive and who have nothing better to do with their time but snitch on anyone who doesn’t treat Charl…
Techdirt by Tim Cushing
Nexstar and Sinclair Lost Their Game of Chicken
Broadcast-media companies may be growing, but they still couldn’t afford to reject Jimmy Kimmel forever.
The Atlantic by James Surowiecki
NSPM-7 labels common beliefs as terrorism 'indicators'
New directive targets “anti-Christian,” “anti-American,” and “anti-capitalism” opinions
Kenklippenstein.com by Ken Klippenstein
17 days after Charlie’s death, it’s clear: We are now on the other side of the Rubicon
The assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, whose only crime was to host debates in the public square and declare the gospel of Jesus Christ, has made something abundantly clear: We have crossed the Rubicon.But it was the left’s response to h…
TheBlaze by BlazeTV Staff
The myth of the ‘marketplace of ideas’— and how it warps free speech
The so-called “marketplace of ideas” doesn’t simply reward truth or the strongest arguments— it rewards power. Without guardrails, the strongest players...
Yahoo Entertainment by NBC
US deportation drive against pro-Palestine students is illegal, judge rules
Federal judge finds Trump officials misused powers to silence lawful criticism of Israel, chilling free speech.
Al Jazeera English by Ali Harb
Reagan-Appointed Judge Torches Trump Admin’s Bullshit Chilling Effects Campaign Against Pro-Palestinian Speech
We’ve spent plenty of time talking about various people who are failing to meet this moment, but I will say that a number of district court judges have really been stepping up. The latest example is Reagan-appointed conservative Judge William Young (who had p…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Government Shutdown and Free Speech Showdown
Amid the Republican-Democrat blame game, a federal judge’s extraordinary ruling takes on the Trump administration’s unlawful detentions of pro-Palestine protesters. The post Government Shutdown and Free Speech Showdown appeared first on The Intercept.
The Intercept by The Intercept Briefing
Comedy Fans Say Dave Chappelle Has Become A ‘Mouthpiece for the Oppressor Class’ Following Riyadh Comedy Festival
Chappelle's praise for the ‘freedom of speech’ in Saudi Arabia has fans in revolt
Cracked.com by Keegan Kelly
A protest in bronze: Trump and Epstein return to the Mall
Removed and damaged, controversial artwork is once again daring D.C. to determine the limits of free expression
Salon by CK Smith
Hollywood fights back again, Jane Fonda revives Committee for the First Amendment
Jane Fonda revives of father’s McCarthy-era free speech coalition, warn of government efforts to silence dissent
Salon by CK Smith
Trump Literally Brags About Taking Away People’s Free Speech
“We took the freedom of speech away,” President Donald Trump boasted in his opening remarks at his “antifa roundtable” Wednesday.The remark came as Trump touted an August 25 executive order seeking to crack down on the practice of flag-burning, a form of prot…
The New Republic by Robert McCoy
Trump Admits: “We Took The Freedom Of Speech Away”
In what may be the most accidentally honest moment of his presidency, Donald Trump just admitted what we’ve been documenting for months: “We took the freedom of speech away.” Yes, that’s literally what he said: For those who’ve been following Trump’s systemat…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
California Wants To Punish Social Platforms for Aiding and Abetting the First Amendment
Another entry into the "algorithms are magic" school of imposing liability on tech companies.
Yahoo Entertainment by Elizabeth Nolan Brown
Appeals court backs Michigan school in banning 'Let's Go Brandon' shirts
A federal appeals court on Tuesday ruled in favor of a Michigan school district in a dispute over free speech and "Let's Go Brandon” shirts, clothing that...
Yahoo Entertainment by Associated Press
WGA West President Michele Mulroney Delivers Speech At No Kings Protest: “When Our Words Are Powerful, We Cannot Be Silenced”
Recently appointed Writers Guild of America West President Michele Mulroney delivered a rousing speech at the No Kings protest in Los Angeles, decrying President Donald Trump and his administration’s recent actions curtailing Hollywood writers’ freedom of exp…
Deadline by Natalie Oganesyan
Went to the Protests Over the Weekend? Here’s How You Might Be Surveilled Now
A couple things to keep in mind about the surveillance state. Your location data is out there, and so is your photo
Gizmodo.com by Mike Pearl
Oxford Union president-elect ousted over Kirk posts
The Oxford Union announces George Abaraonye loses a no-confidence motion by 1,228 votes to 501.
BBC News
Books about race and gender to be returned to school libraries on some military bases
The order is to be implemented at school libraries on military bases in Kentucky, Virginia, Italy and Japan. Students and their families claimed their First Amendment rights had been violated when officials removed the books to comply with President Trump's e…
NPR by Elizabeth Blair
Student Journalists At Indiana University And Purdue Show More Integrity, Solidarity And Backbone Than Many In The Mainstream Press
Last week, Indiana University administrators fired the school newspaper’s (Indiana Daily Student) advisor and ordered students to stop printing the paper. The student journalists say that University administrators didn’t like the student paper’s decision to i…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
ExxonMobil accuses California of violating its free speech
ExxonMobil is suing California over state laws that compel large companies to share a more comprehensive picture of their greenhouse gas emissions, as well as disclose financial risks that climate change might pose to their investors. The oil and gas company …
The Verge by Justine Calma
Biden calls these 'dark days' as he urges Americans to 'get back up'
Former President Joe Biden called these “dark days” as he urged Americans to stay optimistic and not to check out in response to what he says are attacks on ...
Yahoo Entertainment by ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON
Felony dropped after a man spent a month in a Tennessee jail for a Charlie Kirk post
Authorities in Tennessee have dropped a felony charge against a man who was jailed for more than a month over a Facebook post he made about the assassination...
Yahoo Entertainment by R.J. RICO
Trump claims anti-Trump content should be outlawed after Meyers segment
President "Poo-Poo" Trump attacked late-night host Seth Meyers on Saturday, calling him "the least talented person to 'perform' live in the history of television" and declaring his show "100% ANTI TRUMP, WHICH IS PROBABLY ILLEGAL!!!" The outburst came after M…
Boing Boing by Ellsworth Toohey
Man Arrested By Charlie Kirk Fan/Sheriff For Directly Quoting Donald Trump
We know there’s a concerted effort to punish anyone who dares to show anything but complete, unqualified reverence for Charlie Kirk’s corpse. The man who made millions by denigrating anyone who wasn’t as white, straight, and “Christian” as he was is apparentl…
Techdirt by Tim Cushing
Trump says ABC's license should be revoked after reporter's Epstein files question
"I think the license should be taken away from ABC," Trump told an ABC reporter. "Because your news is so fake, and it's so wrong."
Business Insider by Bryan Metzger
Trump, Brendan Carr Threaten To Censor Some More Comedians For The Crime Of Comedy
Donald Trump and his earlobe nibbler (FCC boss Brendan Carr) are threatening to try and censor some more comedians after their efforts to cancel Jimmy Kimmel went so well (read: not well at all). Over at the right wing white propaganda website formerly known …
Techdirt by Karl Bode
Bipartisan Senators Want To Honor Charlie Kirk By Making It Easier To Censor The Internet
Democratic Senator Mark Kelly and Republican Senator John Curtis want to gut Section 230 to combat “political radicalization”—in honor of Charlie Kirk, whose entire career was built on political radicalization. Kirk styled himself as a “free speech warrior” b…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Trump’s Own Judges Easily Reject His Bonkers Lawsuit Against CNN For Calling His Big Lie A ‘Big Lie’
Donald Trump, who presents himself as a free speech champion, sure loves suing the media for their First Amendment-protected speech. CNN is a favorite target of his though these lawsuits don’t do particularly well. Back in 2022, he sued CNN for calling Trump’…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
The Feds Want to Make It Illegal to Even Possess an Anarchist Zine
Daniel Sanchez is facing federal charges for what free speech advocates say is a clear attack on the First Amendment. The post The Feds Want to Make It Illegal to Even Possess an Anarchist Zine appeared first on The Intercept.
The Intercept by Seth Stern
People Are Underestimating America’s Groyper Problem
Rising American anti-Semitism isn’t a foreign influence operation.
The Atlantic by Yair Rosenberg
Defending Press Freedom in the Age of Trump
As authoritarian leaders seek to delegitimize independent news and AI blurs the line between facts and falsehoods, journalists around the world are fighting to be heard above a rising tide of misinformation and propaganda. In this environment, news outlets mu…
Project Syndicate by Martin Baron
White House Launches Worthless And Whiny Taxpayer-Funded ‘Media Bias’ Tracker
Not content with just filing baseless lawsuits against media companies who say mean things about our historically unpopular president, the Trump administration has unveiled a new lazy wrinkle in its war on journalism and free speech. The White House unveiled …
Techdirt by Karl Bode
Sabrina Carpenter slams White House for using music in 'evil' video...
Sabrina Carpenter slams White House for using music in 'evil' video... (First column, 17th story, link) Related stories:Melania Trump Could Be Impacted by New Citizenship Bill... COLD AS ICE: Agents arrest military spouses at green card…
The-sun.com
Maria Bamford Says We Worry About Freedom of Speech When White Guys Are Affected
By Matt Solomon Published: December 04th, 2025
Cracked.com by Matt Solomon
ICEBlock App Developer Sues Trump Officials, Claims Apple Was Pressured to Remove App
The developer behind the ICEBlock app that Apple removed from the App Store at the Trump administration's request is suing for suppression of free speech. The lawsuit names Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, and other government officials, accusing them of First Amendme…
MacRumors by Juli Clover
US Supreme Court turns away appeal of Texas library book ban
By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON, Dec 8 (Reuters) - The U.S.
Yahoo Entertainment by By Jan Wolfe
He Built a Viral ICE-Spotting App. The Government Shut It Down. Now He’s Fighting Back.
It became a lightning rod for the right—and a target for what its developer says was an attack on free speech.
Slate Magazine by Nitish Pahwa
ICEBlock Sues White House Over Pressuring Apple for App Store Removal
ICEBlock developer Joshua Aaron claims that the removal is a suppression of free speech
Gizmodo.com by Ece Yildirim
ICE-tracking app developer sues Trump admin after Apple spikes the software
Suit argues forcing Apple to remove app, and threatening dev with legal action is a First Amendment violation Does the first amendment allow citizens to track law enforcement activity? After publishing an iOS app that shows where ICE agents have deployed, ICE…
Theregister.com by Brandon Vigliarolo
The war on disinformation is a losing battle
As he called the House Judiciary Committee into session on a cold and snowy February day in Washington, DC, Chairman Jim Jordan was ready to take a victory lap. American free speech had been critically threatened, and now it was saved - in large part thanks t…
The Verge by James Ball
Ted Cruz Had The Best Defense of “Profoundly Unfunny” Jimmy Kimmel During The FCC Senate Hearing
Cruz is no fan of "Kimball," but he knows exactly what Brendan Carr is all about
Cracked.com by Keegan Kelly
StopAntisemitism Takes Credit for Getting Hundreds Fired. A Music Teacher Is Suing.
Known for targeting celebrities like Ms. Rachel, the pro-Israel blacklist also goes after private individuals who post in solidarity with Palestine. The post StopAntisemitism Takes Credit for Getting Hundreds Fired. A Music Teacher Is Suing. appeared first on…
The Intercept by Jonah Valdez
Teacher ‘likened to terrorist’ after showing Trump videos to students
A teacher in an English school was accused of posing a risk to children and referred to the Government’s counter-terrorism programme after showing Donald...
Yahoo Entertainment by Robert Mendick
Did Homeland Security Just Violate the First Amendment on Christmas?
The Department of Homeland Security’s tasteless holiday shitposting may have just violated the United States Constitution. The federal agency’s official X account published multiple posts Thursday that appeared to violate the Establishment Clause, which prohi…
The New Republic by Edith Olmsted
The New Surveillance State Is You
Privacy may be dead, but civilians are turning conventional wisdom on its head by surveilling the cops as much as the cops surveil them.
Wired by Andrew Couts
The Truth About Europe’s Regulation of Digital Platforms
US President Donald Trump claims that Europeans are engaging in "censorship" when they require digital platforms to be transparent about their algorithms and to remove already illegal content. With the US recently barring entry to five Europeans it accuses of…
Project Syndicate by Bertrand Badré
The Military Isn’t MAGA
The Trump administration attempts to silence veterans.
The Atlantic by Adam Serwer
Rep. Luna Threatens Journalist With Prison For Posting… Public University Bio
If you want to understand how far MAGA Republicans have strayed from any actual “free speech” principles, look no further than this: Congress issued a subpoena to Rolling Stone journalist Seth Harp, because he posted on X a publicly available online biography…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly sues Pentagon, Pete Hegseth over censure campaign
"His unconstitutional crusade against me sends a chilling message to every retired member of the military: if you speak out and say something that the President or Secretary of Defense doesn't like, you will be censured, threatened with demotion or even prose…
Space.com by mwall@space.com (Mike Wall) , Mike Wall
The EU Fired Their Censor. Ours Kept His Job
The Trump administration has spent months shrieking about EU “censorship” while actively censoring people themselves. While I’ve long been a critic of parts of the DSA, Americans—particularly MAGA officials—keep crying wolf over the DSA’s non-censorial aspect…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Senator Mark Kelly sues US Defense Department for ‘punitive retribution’
The Trump administration has sought to censure Kelly for a video encouraging the military to reject 'illegal orders'.
Al Jazeera English by Allison Griner
UK Officials could face US entry ban over Twitter policy
US warns UK officials could face travel bans if X is blocked amid Grok AI deepfake row, raising tensions over tech regulation and free speech.
Parliamentnews.co.uk by Alex Jones
A Ford worker heckled Trump. His suspension is a reminder that free speech can get you in trouble at work.
The advice from five legal experts all boiled down to a blunt reality: employees should watch their mouth at work if they want to keep their job.
Business Insider by Ben Shimkus
State Department Threatens UK Over Grok Investigation, Because Only The US Is Allowed To Ban Foreign Apps
So let me get this straight. The United States government spent years championing a ban on TikTok, rushed it through the Supreme Court with claims of grave national security threats, got a 9-0 ruling blessing government censorship of an entire platform used b…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Trump’s ‘Free Speech’ Presidency Racked Up 200 Censorship Attempts In Its First Year
We’ve said it before, and we’ll keep saying it because apparently it needs repeating: Donald Trump is not a free speech president. He just plays one on TV while doing the exact opposite behind the scenes. And in front of the scenes. And basically everywhere. …
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Fox News defends FBI seizure of Washington Post reporter’s property
The conservative network once decried similar searches as press intimidation under Obama
Salon by Sophia Tesfaye
The Download: the US digital rights crackdown, and AI companionship
This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. What it’s like to be banned from the US for fighting online hate Just before Christmas the Trump administration dramati…
MIT Technology Review by Charlotte Jee
Rand Paul Only Wants Google To Be The Arbiter Of Truth When The Videos Are About Him
Just a year and a half ago, Senator Rand Paul sponsored a bill that would make it illegal for federal government employees to ask internet companies to remove any speech. Now, in a NY Post op-ed, Paul proudly announces that he did exactly that—formally contac…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
The FBI Raided A Reporter’s Home, Ignoring Laws Designed To Prevent Exactly That
If you want to understand how little the current administration cares about the First Amendment, look no further than a pre-dawn FBI raid on a journalist’s home—conducted in apparent violation of a federal law specifically designed to prevent exactly this kin…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
TikTok Raises U.S. Censorship Fears After Messages About Jeffrey Epstein Are Blocked
After Trump-connected investors took a controlling stake in the U.S. version of the app, users have claimed that it's suppressing political topics
Rolling Stone by Miles Klee
Brendan Carr Again Threatens Talk Shows That Refuse To Coddle Republicans
For more than fifty years the U.S. right wing has accused academia, journalism or science of having a “liberal bias” if it reveals absolutely anything the right wing doesn’t like. It’s an easy way to quickly discredit any critics of your worldview without hav…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
Pam Bondi Has Don Lemon Arrested for Reporting on Peaceful Protest
This is fucking terrifying.
Jezebel by Lauren Tousignant
DOJ Arrests Journalists Don Lemon & Georgia Fort For Acts Of Journalism, Even After Courts Rejected Arrest Warrants
Last week, a federal magistrate judge told the DOJ it could not arrest journalist Don Lemon. The DOJ appealed and lost that appeal too. The legal system said no. So the DOJ arrested him anyway. On January 18th, protesters interrupted services at a Minnesota c…
Techdirt by Timothy Geigner and Mike Masnick
Judge Censored an ICE Agent’s Face Over “Threats.” His Info Was a Google Search Away.
Unsealed transcript reveals a judge bought the DOJ’s arguments about “bounties” on an ICE agent, when his name and location were on LinkedIn. The post Judge Censored an ICE Agent’s Face Over “Threats.” His Info Was a Google Search Away. appeared first on The …
The Intercept by Seth Stern
DHS Is Hunting Down Trump Critics. The ‘Free Speech’ Warriors Are Mighty Quiet.
For years, we’ve been subjected to an endless parade of hyperventilating claims about the Biden administration’s supposed “censorship industrial complex.” We were told, over and over again, that the government was weaponizing its power to silence conservative…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Jenin Younes on Threats to Free Speech from the Left and the Right
A First Amendment lawyer once attacked Democrats for suppressing unpopular opinions; she now sees a vastly greater threat from the Trump Administration.
The New Yorker by The New Yorker
US FCC notice to broadcasters prompts concerns on curtailing free speech
Critics say such actions and increasing corporate ownership of media is causing a backsliding in US media freedom.
Al Jazeera English by Saumya Roy
NBC Censored Vice President JD Vance Getting Booed at Olympics Opening Ceremony
At the opening ceremony on Friday for the 2026 Winter Olympics, U.S. vice president JD Vance was booed. The boos were so loud that NBC cut them from the broadcast in the U.S., you’ll have to …
Thoughtcatalog.com by Emily Madriga
'Pedophile Protector' Trump-Heckling Ford Employee Officially Receives No Discipline And Keeps Job
The constitution didn't protect Mr. Sabula from being fired by his employer for exercising his free speech, the UAW did that.
Jalopnik by staff@jalopnik.com (Brad Brownell)
Tim Cook Faces FTC Warning Over Apple News Curation
Apple has been issued a warning letter from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, urging it to review its content curation for Apple News so as to ensure that it is not suppressing conservative publications. In a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, seen by the Fi…
MacRumors by Tim Hardwick
Google is stifling anti-ICE speech in the workplace
The search giant has made it harder and riskier to protest its policies. Workers are still fighting back. Plus: A community takes down a data center, QuitGPT, and the 5 worst Super Bowl AI ads.
Bloodinthemachine.com by Brian Merchant
Leakers Helped Destroy the Deportation Case Against Tufts Student
The disclosures revealed the case was built entirely on an op-ed Rümeysa Öztürk co-wrote, a chilling attack on free speech. The post Leakers Helped Destroy the Deportation Case Against Tufts Student appeared first on The Intercept.
The Intercept by Seth Stern
'The Late Show' host Stephen Colbert says CBS pulled his interview with a Democratic lawmaker — so he turned to YouTube
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert said CBS blocked an interview over FCC concerns. It highlights tension between broadcasters and their talent.
Business Insider by Ben Shimkus
Stephen Colbert Says CBS Bowed to FTC Pressure, Dropped Interview With Democrat
Here's the interview that CBS and the FTC don't want you to see.
Gizmodo.com by Ece Yildirim
“Corporate Capitulation”: FCC Commissioner Criticizes CBS Decision To Ban Broadcast Of Stephen Colbert Interview With U.S. Senate Candidate
Anna Gomez, the sole Democrat on the FCC, called out CBS for restricting Stephen Colbert from featuring an interview with a U.S. Senate candidate on his late night show’s regular broadcast, as the network feared running afoul of equal time rules. On his show …
Deadline by Ted Johnson
JD Vance doesn’t believe in free speech
In 2025, the veep warned Europeans about censorship. Now the Trump administration is testing those same limits
Salon by Austin Sarat, Thomas Dumm
The Trump administration is increasingly trying to criminalize observing ICE
ICE officers often tell people tracking and watching them that they are breaking federal law in doing so, but legal experts say the vast majority of observers are exercising their constitutional rights.
NPR by Meg Anderson
Brendan Carr’s Abuse Of FCC ‘Equal Opportunity’ Rule Completely Blows Up In His Face
Yesterday we noted how CBS fecklessly tried to prevent Stephen Colbert from broadcasting an interview with Texas Democratic State Representative James Talarico. Which, as you’ve probably already seen, resulted in the interview on YouTube getting way more view…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
The ‘Most Massive Attack On Free Speech’ Is Happening Right Now, And The Twitter Files Crew Is Mighty Quiet
For the last five years, we had to endure an endless, breathless parade of hyperbole regarding the so-called “censorship industrial complex.” We were told, repeatedly and at high volume, that the Biden administration flagging content for review by social medi…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
The FCC (probably) didn’t censor Stephen Colbert
For the 12 of us who woke up Tuesday morning wondering what we had missed on Monday’s late-night shows, CBS greeted us with a concerning development. Overnight, Stephen Colbert had laid into his network, dedicating time at the top of The Late Show to claim th…
Vox by Christian Paz
Stephen Colbert says CBS barred interview with Texas Democratic candidate
US late-night show host says CBS pulled interview from Monday's broadcast over fears it could violate new FCC guidance.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera Staff
FCC reject claims of censorship, announces probe into US show The View
Federal Communications Commission faces backlash after comedian Stephen Colbert blamed its rules for scuttled interview.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera Staff
What To Know About The FCC Rule At The Center Of Trump Administration Efforts To Crack Down On Stephen Colbert And Other Late-Night Hosts
When Stephen Colbert announced that CBS restricted him from airing an interview with a Democratic candidate, it set off a range of reactions: Some argued that it reflected Trump’s efforts to censor late-night content; others that it was merely enforcement of …
Deadline by Ted Johnson
The US Is Working on a Site to Help Europeans Bypass Content Bans on Hate Speech: Report
The online portal is set be hosted at Freedom.gov.
Gizmodo.com by Bruce Gil
Newsmax Didn’t Like Its NewsGuard Rating, So The FTC Attacked NewsGuard, And Now NewsGuard Is Suing
We’ve written a few times now about how the GOP’s “free speech warriors” have been waging an absolutely absurd campaign against NewsGuard, a company whose entire business model is… expressing opinions about the reliability of news sources. You know, speech. T…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Administration Says DHS Can Demand Social Media Info From Legal Immigrants And US Citizens
Well, we always knew it would come to this. In a blow to the First Amendment and privacy, the Trump administration last week approved a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plan to collect social media handles from people applying to change their…
Techdirt by Tim Cushing
Dario Amodei on Anthropic's Pentagon spat: 'Disagreeing with the government is the most American thing in the world'
"We have stood up for the values of this country," the Anthropic CEO said, discussing the AI lab's refusal to accept the Pentagon's terms for Claude.
Business Insider by Cheryl Teh
Ron Wyden Is Begging His Colleagues To Stop Trying To Hand Trump A Censorship Weapon
We’ve been writing about Section 230 for a very long time. We’ve written about why it matters, why the people attacking it are wrong, and why most of the proposed “reforms” would make the internet dramatically worse for everyone except the already powerful. A…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Judges To AG Pam Bondi: It’s OK For The Gov’t To Dox People, But Not OK For People To Dox Gov’t Employees?
Yet another one to add to the “it’s OK if we do it” file for the Trump administration. This administration is cool with censoring speech, nationalizing elections, seizing the means of production, and blackmailing law firms and universities. It would be heated…
Techdirt by Tim Cushing
DOJ Un-Drops Its Appeal Against Law Firms, Files Brief That Gets The First Amendment Exactly Backwards
On Wednesday of last week, I wrote a post about how the Trump administration had quietly given up defending its unconstitutional executive orders targeting law firms. The DOJ was dropping its appeals, the firms that fought had won, and the firms that capitula…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Press freedom declines in Americas, with US seeing sharpest drop: Report
A press freedom index has given the Americas its lowest ranking since it started recording results six years ago.
Al Jazeera English by Brian Osgood
I Wrote a Movie Review. Cops Took It From A Protester’s Home to Make the Case That He’s a Terrorist.
My little horror movie review was introduced to prove a conception of antifa that — like many of the monsters we scream at in horror flicks — isn’t quite real. The post I Wrote a Movie Review. Cops Took It From A Protester’s Home to Make the Case That He’s a …
The Intercept by Sophie Lewis
Pentagon tightens controls over Stars and Stripes after calling it "woke"
The new rules for the independent military newspaper are the Defense Department's latest effort to put extraordinary restrictions on journalists covering the agency.
NPR by Maria Aspan
Trump administration threatens news outlets over critical coverage of Iran
FCC chair says news outlets that share 'distortions' about US war with Iran could lose their licences.
Al Jazeera English by Brian Osgood
Trump administration to drop charges against US veteran who burned flag
Veteran Jay Carey burned a US flag in protest of an executive order from Trump calling for prison terms for such acts.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera Staff
Trump & Newsom Spar Over Censorship & POTUS’ Despotic Claim To Be “Reshaping The Media”
Another weekend and it’s another dust-up between Donald Trump and Gavin Newsom — this time about media censorship or control, depending on who you ask. As the former Apprentice host’s sycophantic FCC chair threatens outlets over their Iran War coverage, a gol…
Deadline by Dominic Patten
FCC chair threatens to pull licenses of broadcasters airing 'distortions' about the Iran war
Carr's threat, targeting unspecified broadcasters, amplified Donald Trump's criticism of coverage by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.
Business Insider by Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert
FCC warns broadcasters over Iran War coverage
Trump and FCC attack networks' Iran war coverage, critics warn of chilling effect on press freedom
Salon by CK Smith
Brendan Carr and the Fog of War
In actual wars, the facts are hard to determine. The facts of Carr’s war against broadcasters are easier to see.
Reason by Stuart Benjamin
FCC Chairman Threatens to Revoke TV Licenses Over Iran Coverage
Here's the latest in the FCC's quest to keep American media on a tight leash.
Gizmodo.com by Ece Yildirim
Brendan Carr Pretends To Be Tough, Demands Broadcasters Support Disastrous War
Brendan Carr is once again doing Brendan Carr stuff. Carr has threatened to revoke the broadcast licenses of broadcasters that tell the truth about Trump’s disastrous war in Iran. In a post over at Elon Musk’s right wing propaganda website, Carr insists that …
Techdirt by Karl Bode
We Finally Have Data to Show How Fast Trump Has Eroded American Democracy and Free Speech
In just about a year, Donald Trump has reduced American measures of democracy and free speech to around the level of the 1950s-1960s.
Jezebel by Jim Vorel
US judge sides with New York Times against Pentagon journalism policies
In his ruling, Judge Paul Friedman ruled the Trump administration sought to force out 'disfavoured journalists'.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera
Judge Rules Pentagon Cannot Block The NYT Anymore
Pete Kegseth is going to need an extra shot of tequila tonight to soothe his hurt fee fees after losing a big court case today regarding press access to the Pentagon. Here is what happened: In October 2025, Hegseth attempted to force news organizations to sig…
Crooksandliars.com by Red Painter
Threats over Iran war bare Trump efforts to transform free speech: Experts
Threat to punish broadcasters for coverage not in 'public interest' comes amid wider roll-backs, analysts say.
Al Jazeera English by Joseph Stepansky
The Trump Admin’s Own Investigators Found No EU Internet Censorship. So They Ignored The Findings.
The Washington Post just published a deeply reported story about the Trump administration’s campaign to “expand free speech” in Europe. That headline alone should tell you something about how the story is framed — it takes the administration’s self-descriptio…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
How the FCC Could Quietly Smother Network TV — Without Ever ‘Banning’ Free Speech
Commissioner Brendan Carr is ushering broadcast news and late night entertainment into a terrifying era under Trump. What's at risk? Analysis.
IndieWire by Alison Foreman
America’s Self-Proclaimed Free Speech Warrior, Brendan Carr, Gets A Letter Documenting His First Amendment Violations
For years, certain folks on the left kept insisting they wanted to bring back the Fairness Doctrine — the old FCC policy that required broadcasters to present “both sides” of controversial issues. Many of us in the tech policy world kept explaining why that w…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Musician who canceled Kennedy Center holiday performance asks for suit to be dismissed
Chuck Redd, the musician who canceled a Christmas Eve performance at the Kennedy Center in protest of President Donald Trump's influence over the venue, is...
Yahoo Entertainment by STEVEN SLOAN
Hegseth’s War On Anthropic Encounters The First Amendment
The expression, “to make a federal case out of something” usually describes making a bigger deal out of something than it should be. But in the case of Anthropic and Hegseth, Trump, and the Department of Defense*, this federal case is actually quite simple: w…
Techdirt by Cathy Gellis
Jane Fonda Leads First Amendment Rally Near Kennedy Center To Warn Of Paramount-Warner Bros. Merger & Trump’s Media Attacks
Jane Fonda brought her Committee for the First Amendment to Washington, D.C. on Friday, for a pre-No Kings Day that focused on Donald Trump’s attacks on the media and the pending merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. Held on a street just near …
Deadline by Ted Johnson
Federal judge finds Trump violated free speech by ordering NPR defunded
A U.S. District Court judge found that President Trump's executive ordering the defunding of NPR and PBS violated the First Amendment.
NPR by David Folkenflik
Judge Rules Trump’s Order Stripping Funding From PBS and NPR Was ‘Unlawful’
"It is difficult to conceive of clearer evidence that a government action is targeted at viewpoints that the President does not like and seeks to squelch," a federal judge ruled on Tuesday
Rolling Stone by Cheyenne Roundtree
A Secret Grand Jury Is Seeking the Identity of a Reddit User Who Criticized ICE
Reddit itself has been subpoenaed by a secret Washington grand jury, with the government wanting to know the identity of a specific user.
Jezebel by Jim Vorel
A Redditor Criticized ICE. Trump Is Trying to Unmask Them by Dragging the Company to a Secret Grand Jury.
An ICE summons to get the user’s identity failed. Advocates worry the move to a grand jury signals an escalation of the war on dissent. The post A Redditor Criticized ICE. Trump Is Trying to Unmask Them by Dragging the Company to a Secret Grand Jury. appeared…
The Intercept by Ryan Devereaux
The FAA’s “Temporary” Flight Restriction For Drones Is A Blatant Attempt To Criminalize Filming ICE
The Trump administration has restricted the First Amendment right to record law enforcement by issuing an unprecedented nationwide flight restriction preventing private drone operators, including professional and citizen journalists, from flying drones within…
Techdirt by Raj Gambhir and Sophia Cope
Elon Musk Scores a Victory Against Free Speech
The Trump regime thinks it should be illegal to not give Elon money.
Gizmodo.com by Matt Novak
A First Amendment Legend Eviscerates Brendan Carr With Substance And Style
We’ve been covering Brendan Carr’s censorial ambitions for a long time now. When Trump first picked him to chair the FCC, we warned people that the “free speech warrior” branding was a total sham. We later dug into the letter from a massive coalition of 80+ l…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
The Supreme Court Ruled Against 'Informal Censorship' 6 Decades Ago but Officials Are Still Jawboning
The Court's 1963 ruling in Bantam Books v. Sullivan is freshly relevant in light of recent efforts to restrict speech through government intimidation.
Reason by Jacob Sullum
Court To Bondi: Demanding Platforms Censor Speech And Bragging About It On Fox News Is, In Fact, A First Amendment Violation
For the better part of five years, we’ve been treated to an elaborate performance about the unprecedented constitutional horror of “jawboning.” Jim Jordan held hearings. Missouri’s AG sued. The Supreme Court heard Murthy v. Missouri and concluded there wasn’t…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Hundreds Of Veteran Journalists And Groups Urge WHCA To “Speak Forcefully” About Trump’s Attacks On Media As He Attends Annual Dinner
When Donald Trump attends the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner for the first time as president on Saturday, the pressure will be on the journalists’ organization to make some sort of a statement about the president’s relentless attacks on the me…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
The Broken U.S. Press Sits Down For Cocktails And Giggles With Fascists
This Saturday is the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner (WHCA). And there’s been ample criticism of journalists that plan to have giggles and cocktails with overt fascists, given this helps normalize of one of the most racist, censorial, and corru…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
‘Free Speech’ President Trump, Once Again, Tries To Get Jimmy Kimmel Fired For Jokes
Apparently we’ve reached the stage of the second Trump presidency when we’re doing reruns of the old hits. As you’ll recall, Donald Trump has been desperate to get late-night TV host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel fired for quite some time. While Trump has long co…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Supreme Court sides with anti-abortion center raising 1st Amendment fears about state investigation
The Supreme Court on Wednesday sided with a faith-based pregnancy center that raised First Amendment concerns about an investigation into whether it misled...
Yahoo Entertainment by LINDSAY WHITEHURST
Trump admin probe into ABC amid Kimmel row sparks US free speech concerns
Critics accuse US president of using Federal Communications Commission to censor critics in violation of speech rights.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera Staff
US falls to ‘historic low’ in press freedom tracker: RSF
Reporters Without Borders warns of 'press freedom crisis' in US amid media consolidation, Trump policies.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera Staff
Press freedom worldwide falls to its lowest level in 25 years
Reporters Without Borders warns that 'journalism is increasingly criminalised worldwide'.
Al Jazeera English by Alex Milan Durie
House will consider resolution condemning Twitch streamer Hasan Piker for alleged antisemitism
On April 30, 2026, a bipartisan group of legislators introduced a resolution to the U.S. Congress condemning Twitch streamer Hasan Piker for alleged antisemitism.
Snopes.com by Nur Ibrahim
Congrats Everyone: U.S. Now Ranked 64th In Global Press Freedom
Good news if you really enjoy corporatism, autocracy, propaganda and a violently misinformed electorate! The U.S. has fallen to sixty-fourth place (now below Ukraine) in the annual Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index. As corrupt, oligarc…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
ABC and Disney accuse Trump admin of violating First Amendment rights
ABC is accusing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of violating its First Amendment rights by making "major shifts in policy and practice" that the network claims will chill free speech. The network is asking the FCC to "affirm its long-standing appr…
The Verge by Lauren Feiner
ABC Says FCC’s Equal Time Crackdown On ‘The View’ Poses A Chill To Its First Amendment Rights
ABC said that the the FCC’s efforts to restrict political candidates from appearing on shows like The View amount to a violation of its First Amendment rights, pushing back on Trump-appointed Brendan Carr‘s efforts to use his regulatory authority to threaten …
Deadline by Ted Johnson
ABC argues Trump administration is trying to chill free speech
In a filing, ABC accuses the Trump administration of trying to chill its constitutionally protected free speech. The point of contention: "The View," and whether it's subject to equal time rules.
NPR by The Associated Press
X is fighting Andrew Tate’s attempt to unmask his critics
X is fighting for its users' right to anonymity against the far-right influencers and accused human traffickers Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are seeking to unmask their online critics. The Tate brothers filed suit against the owners of more than a dozen socia…
The Verge by Lauren Feiner
America’s dangerous, messy deepfakes crackdown is here
A law requiring social networks to quickly remove sexual deepfakes and other nonconsensual imagery is now fully in force. But experts warn the policy could do little to help victims - and at worst could facilitate censorship online. Last May, President Donald…
The Verge by Lauren Feiner
FTC’s Strict Anti-Deepfake Rule Kicks in Today. Here’s What That Means for Grok
Digital platforms will be held liable for nonconsensual sexual images but critics say it will be a free speech disaster.
Gizmodo.com by Ece Yildirim
Tennessee man jailed over Charlie Kirk post wins $835,000 settlement
Tennessee officials will pay $835,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by a man who was jailed for more than a month over a Facebook post he made about the...
Yahoo Entertainment by R.J. RICO
Man Jailed 37 Days for Single Trump Meme Wins $835,000 Settlement
Since 2007, Jezebel has been the Internet's most treasured source for everything celebrities, sex, and politics...with teeth.
Jezebel by Jim Vorel
Woman fired by university over Charlie Kirk post to receive $225,000 legal settlement...
Attorneys say a woman fired by an Indiana university over her Facebook post criticizing Charlie Kirk will receive $225,000 in a legal settlement. The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana says Tuesday that Ball State University agreed to the payout to set…
Associated Press by Russ Bynum
ABC Tells FCC Its Early Review Of Broadcast Licenses Chills Free Speech: “An Extraordinary Demonstration Of Power And Coercion”
The Walt Disney Co. and ABC are once again pushing back on the FCC, this time over the agency’s demand that it file early renewal applications for its broadcast licenses, a move that the company calls a threat to the First Amendment. “It is an extraordinary d…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
Trump’s war on free speech extends far beyond campus walls
The chilling effect of Trump's actions is felt well beyond the quad.
Salon by Bruce Schneier, Jon Penney
Use It or Lose It
Freedom of speech, and of the press, can be guaranteed only if Americans exercise their rights.
The Atlantic by Adrienne LaFrance
Wyden And Cruz Team Up On A Bill To Stop Government Jawboning. It’s… Actually Pretty Good?
Senators Ron Wyden and Ted Cruz have released the JAWBONE Act (“Justice Against Weaponized Bureaucratic Overreach to Networked Expression Act”) as a way to prevent government suppression of speech. While some of the premises behind it are silly and nonsensica…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Surveillance Is Good Because I Want Drivers I Don’t Like To Be Punished: Cleveland Columnist
Here it is: the dumbest defense of automatic license plate readers I’ve ever read. While we can subtract some points because the person writing it has no power to install/un-install/cover in garbage bags surveillance tech, he’s a regular contributor to a long…
Techdirt by Tim Cushing
AMAZON, GOODREADS restrict reviews of Vance book after savage critiques...
AMAZON, GOODREADS restrict reviews of Vance book after savage critiques... (Second column, 1st story, link) Drudge Report Feed needs your support! Become a Patron
The-independent.com by Brendan Rascius
After losing jobs for posting about Charlie Kirk, some are getting six figure payouts
While workers, who were employees in government or public institutions, feel vindicated by how their lawsuits concluded, they are still grappling with the aftermath.
NPR by Huo Jingnan
FTC Sues Transgender Health Nonprofit One Month After A Federal Court Called Its Investigation An Unconstitutional First Amendment Violation
Last week the FTC decided to file an obviously censorial, legally baseless lawsuit against an educational non-profit in an attempt to punish the organization for its speech in a manner that is clearly way outside the bounds of the FTC’s authority. The case se…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
30-Year Sentence for Transporting Zines Is a Five-Alarm Fire for Free Speech
The harsh sentence for a defendant who wasn’t even at the Prairieland protest is likely only the start of the Trump administration’s efforts to outlaw free speech. The post 30-Year Sentence for Transporting Zines Is a Five-Alarm Fire for Free Speech appeared …
The Intercept by Seth Stern, Jeremy Busby
Online Age Verification Law Could Kill Whistleblowing
A House bill ostensibly aimed at protecting children will raise the risk for journalists, dissidents, and whistleblowers. The post Online Age Verification Law Could Kill Whistleblowing appeared first on The Intercept.
The Intercept by Caitlin Vogus, Aliya Bhatia
FCC General Counsel Channels Founding Fathers To Falsely Claim First Amendment Allows Banning Porn
Another senior Trump administration official is gleefully showing off his true colors: The current general counsel for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published an opinion column with the Heritage Foundation’s news outlet The Daily Signal calling …
Techdirt by Michael McGrady
A New Jersey Judge Defies the First Amendment by Censoring News Coverage of a High School Lockdown
The judge contradicted Supreme Court precedents by ruling that a student's "privacy interests" trumped "the severe constitutional presumption" against prior...
Yahoo Entertainment by Jacob Sullum
Video Shows Fort Worth Cop Ticketing a Preacher for 'Offensive' Speech at Pride Event
“The First Amendment does not allow government officials to shut down speech simply on account of it being ‘offensive,’” says a legal expert at FIRE.
Yahoo Entertainment by Autumn Billings
Crybaby Trump: ABC/NBC Should Lose Their Licenses For Not Airing His Speech
During Donald Trump's speech Thursday night, he demanded that NBC and ABC News have their licenses revoked for refusing to air his lie-filled, election fraud propaganda snooze-fest. When I saw the news that ABC and NBC hadn't aired his garbage while the count…
Crooksandliars.com by John Amato
Journalists Call On WHCA To “Forcefully Stand Up For Freedom Of The Press” In Front Of Donald Trump As He Attends Rescheduled Dinner
Veteran and former journalists are renewing their calls on the White House Correspondents’ Association to speak out on the Trump administration’s attacks on reporters and press freedom when he attends its rescheduled dinner on Friday. A letter to the WHCA, or…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
House Investigation of BreakThrough News Is an Attack on All Journalism
Favorable coverage of U.S. adversaries is constitutionally protected speech. The post House Investigation of BreakThrough News Is an Attack on All Journalism appeared first on The Intercept.
The Intercept by Seth Stern
Former FCC Officials Line Up To Blast Brendan Carr’s Lawless Censorship Of ABC
A bipartisan roster of former top-level FCC officials have submitted a filing to the Trump FCC blasting the agency’s ongoing violations of the First Amendment and urging it to terminate its phony “investigations” into ABC — including the unprecedented early o…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
The Worst Person You Know Just Filed A Good First Amendment Lawsuit Against A Very Badly Drafted Nudify App Ban
There’s been a bunch of news this week regarding Minnesota’s new law that purports to prohibit “nudification” technology, and the fact that xAI has sued to have the law blocked as unconstitutional. A few things need to be said upfront, because it’s very, very…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
ABC Says Comments Overwhelmingly Favor License Renewals Despite FCC “Ongoing Retaliation Campaign” To Punish Network Over Trump Coverage
ABC said that the FCC’s demand for an early review of its broadcast station licenses was an part of an “ongoing retaliation campaign” to punish the network over its news coverage and create a chilling effect on free speech. In a filing made public on Thursday…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
Trump vowed to 'bring free speech back.' Judges in 75 cases ruled that he has stifled it
By Nate Raymond and Jan Wolfe Aug 4 - U.S.
Yahoo Entertainment by By Nate Raymond and Jan Wolfe
Republican Senator John Kennedy Warns FCC Official Of Agency’s Scrutiny Of Network Content: “You’re Getting Into The Foothills Of Violating The First Amendment”
The FCC’s general counsel Adam Candeub faced pointed questions as the agency has delved into network content, with one Republican senator, John Kennedy, warning him that the agency was “getting into the foothills of violating the First Amendment.” Candeub was…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
Media groups sue Trump over paid access to public social media posts
Lawsuit claims Trump profits unfairly by charging up to $100,000 monthly for exclusive access to presidential posts.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera Staff
The Intercept Sues Trump for Selling Premium Access to TruthSocial Announcements
A lawsuit filed with two legal advocacy groups argues the president is restricting First Amendment-protected information in a scheme to enrich himself. The post The Intercept Sues Trump for Selling Premium Access to TruthSocial Announcements appeared first on…
The Intercept by Noah Hurowitz
‘Trump Said A Thing’ Journalism Must Stop
One obvious byproduct of letting what’s left of U.S. journalism consolidate in the hands of a bunch of giant corporations is the end result winds up being a feckless mess. Generally corporations don’t want to upset advertisers, ownership (usually Conservative…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
The Fake Free Speech President Has Unleashed ICE On Its Critics
It still amazes me that there are people out there who think that Donald Trump is a supporter of free speech. It has never been true. Anyone who looks will note that the Trump administration regularly engages in clearly unconstitutional attempts to suppress s…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
The Flock uprising is just the beginning
People are sick of tech billionaires trying to control our lives
Salon by Amanda Marcotte
ABC Sues The FCC For Massive First Amendment Violations
After years of feckless capitulation, ABC is clearly developing something vaguely resembling a backbone. The company has filed a new lawsuit against Brendan Carr and the FCC (pdf), (correctly) claiming that the agency has been engaged in a coordinated campaig…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
ABC Files First Amendment Lawsuit Against FCC, Claiming Trump Administration “Retaliatory Campaign” Against Its Free Speech
ABC filed an unprecedented lawsuit against the FCC on Tuesday, claiming that its investigations and regulatory actions are part of a Trump administration “retaliatory campaign” to curb the network’s free speech. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washingt…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
Pentagon Fires Chief Editor Of ‘Stars & Stripes’ For Promising To Do Independent Journalism
To say that Donald Trump has been waging an ideological war against the American free press would be an understatement in the extreme. Even attempting to list out the many, many ways in which he has attempted to threaten, sue, undermine, stifle, chill, attack…
Techdirt by Timothy Geigner
Fired Stars and Stripes journalists sue Trump administration for censorship
Staff at the military newspaper allege US government sought to violate First Amendment rights to free speech.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera Staff
Trump’s answer to bad press? “FCC TO THE RESCUE!”
The president again called for federal intervention against news coverage, journalists and commentary he dislikes
Salon by CK Smith
MAGA’s Imaginary Censorship-Industrial Complex
The conspiracy theory that persists even though no evidence supports it
The Atlantic by Anne Applebaum
GOP Begs Supreme Court To Let It Flood Airwaves With Cheap Midterm Propaganda
Back in June, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission that federal limits on coordinated expenditures by political parties violate the First Amendment, opening the floodgates to a much broader arr…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
Advocates decry US House vote to defund universities that boycott Israel
Rights groups say the measure infringes on the freedom of speech of Americans for the benefit of a foreign nation.
Al Jazeera English by Ali Harb
Some Tech Companies Have Privately Pushed Back On ICE Subpoenas. They Should All Do More.
In a handful of known cases, large social media companies have privately pushed back against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) subpoenas when the agency tried to unmask anonymous users who tracked immigration activities or criticized the government. A…
Techdirt by Mario Trujillo
Trump Administration Fires Shots At UK Plan To Boost BBC Content On YouTube, Calling It “Extraterritorial Censorship”
Donald Trump’s administration has taken exception to UK government plans to compel online video giants like YouTube to promote “public service media” content from outlets like the BBC. In a submission to Britain’s consultation on the proposals, the U.S. gover…
Deadline by Jake Kanter
Another big James Talarico interview is punted to YouTube due to FCC threats
Jimmy Kimmel will be interviewing Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico "under unusual circumstances," posting the interview directly to YouTube, rather than airing it on TV during Jimmy Kimmel Live. In Wednesday night's episode, Kimmel said this w…
The Verge by Stevie Bonifield
Jimmy Kimmel Won’t Air James Talarico Interview On ABC For Fear Of FCC Reprisal
Comedian Jimmy Kimmel‘s planned Thursday interview with Texas Senatorial hopeful James Talarico didn’t air on ABC broadcast TV because network lawyers were worried about Trump FCC censorship and reprisal. Instead, the interview will air on the late-night show…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
Jimmy Kimmel moves Senate interview to YouTube in latest collision with FCC
The decision follows a year of surging regulatory hurdles over candidate appearances on the Disney-owned network.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera Staff
A Judge Ordered ICE Agents To Stop Retaliating Against an Ohio Videographer. ICE Moved the Agents Out of Town.
After an ICE watcher in Springfield won a temporary injunction against ICE in a First Amendment lawsuit, the agency moved the officers accused of harassing h...
Yahoo Entertainment by C.J. Ciaramella
The FCC Can Moan About "Equal Time" to Kimmel, But They Seem to Forget the Internet Exists
Selectively applied laws are how the Trump administration attempts to lean on networks to do what it wants, but ... YouTube still exists!
Jezebel by Jim Vorel
Watch Jimmy Kimmel’s Interview With Senate Candidate James Talarico
Jimmy Kimmel shared his interview with Senate candidate James Talarico on YouTube after threats from the FCC.
Rolling Stone by Emily Zemler
US Senate panel approves bill to bar government officials from pressuring networks on free speech
WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - The U. Senate Commerce Committee approved legislation on Wednesday to bar government officials from pressuring private compan...
Yahoo Entertainment by By David Shepardson
Brendan Carr Cries, Calls Jimmy Kimmel Censorship A ‘Hoax’
Last week comedian Jimmy Kimmel said Jimmy Kimmel Live! and ABC wouldn’t be airing an interview with Texas Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico on broadcast because they were worried it would anger Trump’s top censorship czar, FCC boss Brendan Carr. Kimme…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
Self-Proclaimed Free Speech Defender Bans CNN, MSNOW, Politco From White House
Donald Trump announced on Friday that he is banning CNN, MSNOW, and Politico from the White House, calling them "fake news."
Rolling Stone by Ryan Bort
Trump bans CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House “effective immediately”
Critics call it an "unprecedented assault on press freedom"
Salon by Troy Farah
CNN, MS NOW, Politico reporters denied access to White House following Trump ban
Three reporters were blocked from the White House grounds Saturday morning, a day after President Trump said CNN, Politico, and MS NOW would be banned for reporting "FICTION and LIES."
NPR by Ava Berger
MS NOW says its journalists were denied access to White House grounds
NEW YORK (AP) — MS NOW said its journalists were denied access to the White House Saturday morning, a day after President Donald Trump said he would ban the network and two other news outlets from the complex. There was no immediate word about access for the …
Yahoo Entertainment by JOCELYN NOVECK
Can Trump ban CNN, news outlets he doesn’t like from the White House?
The ban is the latest attack by Trump on media outlets that he perceives as unfavourable to his administration.
Al Jazeera English by Nils Adler
A ‘ban on the free press’: White House bars journalists from three outlets
Reporters from CNN, MS NOW, and Politico were denied access to White House on Saturday.
Al Jazeera English by Catherine Nouhan
Journalists locked out of the White House after Trump ban
Reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico have been denied White House access after Donald Trump banned the three outlets.
Al Jazeera English
An ICE critic's email prompted a visit to the man's NY home. A judge says his rights were likely violated.
Plaintiff David Streever of Rochester. A federal judge ruled the government's threats against a critic likely violated First Amendment protections. [ more › ]
Gothamist by Arya Sundaram
Rep. Scalise Brutally Fact-Checked On Bogus Claim Biden Banned 400 Press Members
On ABC's This Week, Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise had his clock cleaned by host Jonathan Karl trying to defend Trump's 1st amendment violation by banning many credible news outlets, when Scalise lied and claimed Pres. Biden had banned "400 pr…
Crooksandliars.com by John Amato
CNN, MS NOW, Politico Journalists Banned from White House
Journalists from three major news organizations are being denied access to the White House after President Donald Trump followed through on his threat to ban Politico, CNN and MS NOW from covering him. Some lawmakers are pushing back and a new statement from …
TODAY by TODAY
News outlets Trump banned from White House announce lawsuit
POLITICO, CNN and MS NOW to seek restraining order to restore reporters' access.
Business Insider by Insider Inc.
CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO sue Trump over White House press ban
Three news organizations whose journalists were banned from the White House last week are suing President Donald Trump and three top advisers, calling the abrupt lockout a "direct assault on the First Amendment."POLITICO, CNN and MS NOW said in a joint stat…
Yahoo Entertainment by Josh Gerstein and Kyle Cheney
CNN, MS NOW, Politico to sue Trump admin over White House access
The outlets said they plan to file a lawsuit against the government on Monday.
Abcnews.com by Justin Gomez, David Brennan
“Free Speech” President Admits He’s “Banning The Free Press” From The White House
Apparently autumn is when President Donald Trump feels free to admit to his anti-free speech, anti-free press ways. For a guy who constantly lied about being in support of free speech, despite regularly suing people and news organizations for their speech, he…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick and Karl Bode
MS NOW, CNN, Politico Allege White House Violated First Amendment in New Suit
MS NOW, CNN and Politico said they filed suit against the federal government following a decision by President Donald Trump to ban the three news organizations from newsgathering at the White House, the latest fracture in the relationship between the presiden…
Variety by Brian Steinberg
What Natalie Harp Showed Trump Before He Banned CNN from White House
Moments before Donald Trump banned three of America’s biggest news organizations from the White House Friday, he was chatting with Natalie Harp.His beloved executive aide had reportedly shown Trump a compilation of coverage from MS NOW in which several broadc…
The New Republic by Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling
The White House Press Corps Must Stand With CNN, MS NOW, and Politico
CNN, MS Now, and Politico jointly filed a lawsuit on Monday to overturn President Trump’s decision over the weekend to bar their reporters from the White House. This is an alarming escalation in the president’s wars against the media, independent institutions…
The New Republic by Perry Bacon
Major TV Networks Band Together in Boycott After Trump’s Ban on CNN
The entire presidential television press pool has agreed to suspend their coverage in the wake of President Trump’s decision to ban CNN, Politico, and MS NOW from the White House. The TV press pool specifically is made up of five networks: Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC,…
The New Republic by Malcolm Ferguson
Trump’s Ban on White House Press Backfires Immediately
Donald Trump’s attempts to silence the media have only turned out to silence him.The president participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for his new helipad on the South Lawn of the White House Monday, speaking in front of a hard-hatted crowd wearing neon yel…
The New Republic by Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling
Trump tells CNN reporter ahead of U.N. speech, 'you shouldn't be here' amid media ban
President Donald Trump lashed out at CNN‘s Kaitlan Collins before his address the U.N. General Assembly in New York amid the White House ban to deny CNN, MS NOW and Politico access.Those three news outlets are suing the president for violating the First Amend…
Newsweek by Gabe Whisnant
Major US outlets boycott shared Trump coverage in protest at media ban
Regular coverage of the president has been disrupted after he banned CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House.
BBC News by https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
Jon Stewart Criticizes Trump’s Attack on Free Press: ‘He Gives No F-ucks’
Jon Stewart took aim at Donald Trump banning news outlets from the White House on the latest episode of 'The Daily Show.'
Rolling Stone by Emily Zemler
DOJ defends White House media ban, urges court to reject lawsuit
The Department of Justice defended President Trump's recent media ban, arguing that reporting by CNN, MS Now and Politico on a wide range of issues jeopardized national security and spread falsehoods.
NPR by NPR Staff
Trump administration says White House access is a 'privilege' in media fight
WASHINGTON (AP) — The extraordinary showdown between President Donald Trump and media outlets whose coverage he dislikes moves Wednesday to a courtroom in the nation's capital, where a judge will hear arguments on whether the president's move banning three ne…
Yahoo Entertainment by JOCELYN NOVECK and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN
Obama on Trump's press ban: "You can't do that and say that you are still living in a democracy"
Former President Barack Obama made the remarks Monday at Salem State University, after Trump barred CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from White House grounds because of coverage he described as "fake news." Speaking with historian Doris Kearns Goodwin at Massachuse…
Boing Boing by Jason Weisberger
Trump is bracing to lose his latest fight with the press
This story appeared in Today, Explained, a daily newsletter that helps you understand the most compelling news and stories of the day. Subscribe here. A hearing on President Donald Trump’s White House press ban ended without a ruling this afternoon — an admit…
Vox by Caitlin Dewey
Trump administration to defend its ban of major news outlets in court
The news organisations are scheduled to make their case to a US district judge on Wednesday afternoon.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera Staff
Some reporters denied White House access despite judge overturning Trump media ban
Lawyers for CNN, Politico and MS Now are seeking an emergency court hearing, saying the White House "repeatedly violated" the order.
BBC News by https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews
POLITICO barred from White House after court ruling restoring access
The Secret Service confiscated a POLITICO reporter's press pass Thursday morning despite a federal judge's decision hours earlier that a media ban appeared to violate the constitutional due process rights of three outlets whose White House access has been rev…
Business Insider by Insider Inc.
Judge orders White House to restore access to news outlets Trump banned
A judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's White House ban on three news organizations, calling it likely unconstitutional and ordering their access restored. Trump announced a ban on reporters from CNN, MS NOW and Politico on Sept. 18, saying t…
Yahoo Entertainment by Dylan Stableford, Mike Bebernes
Media outlets petition for emergency hearing after being denied White House access
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday, ordering the White House to restore access to CNN, MS NOW and Politico reporters who had been banned by President Trump.In his 8-page ruling, U.S. District Judge Timothy Ke…
Yahoo Entertainment by Dylan Stableford, Mike Bebernes
Judge orders White House to restore press passes for CNN, Politico and MS NOW
A federal judge has granted CNN, Politico and MS NOW a temporary restraining order requiring the White House to restore the outlets’ hard-pass press credentials.
Abcnews.com by Alex Ederson, Jon Haworth
Trump Easily Loses His Censorial SLAPP Suit Over A Poll Predicting He Might Lose
You may recall that after he had won the 2024 Presidential election, the sorest winner in the history of sore winners, Donald Trump sued retiring pollster Ann Selzer and the Des Moines Register for… having reported the — admittedly surprising and, in retrospe…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Trump’s short-lived press ban
This story appeared in The Logoff, a daily newsletter that helps you stay informed about the Trump administration without letting political news take over your life. Subscribe here. Welcome to The Logoff: The media outlets President Donald Trump banned from t…
Vox by Cameron Peters
US judge blocks Trump’s White House ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico
Trump-nominated judge rules that outlets are likely to succeed in claim they were denied due process.
Al Jazeera English by John Power, Erin Hale
Media outlets still denied access to White House despite judge’s order
A US federal judge had ordered the White House to 'immediately return, reinstate and restore' the three outlets' access.
Al Jazeera English
Judge Blocks White House Press Ban; White House Spends Thursday Testing How Much Of The Court Order It Can Violate
On Monday we wrote about Donald Trump’s direct attack on the First Amendment and the free press by banning reporters from the White House. As we expected, a judge on Thursday morning issued a Temporary Restraining Order, blocking the White House from continui…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Years before his CNN and Politico ban, Trump yanked my press pass
Before this week, only Jim Acosta and I knew what this felt like. It's nice to see some solidarity at last
Salon by Brian Karem
Trump Whines About His Own Media Ban as Outlets Barred From Event
In the topsy-turvy MAGA world, some of America’s most prominent media outlets are choosing not to cover Donald Trump. In reality, they’re still under the Trump administration’s ban.The president claimed on Truth Social Thursday afternoon that MS NOW and CNN “…
The New Republic by Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling
EFF to Court: Trump's Use of Truth Social's Pay-To-See-Posts-First Scheme Violates Americans' First Amendment Equal Access Rights
EFF legal intern Simar Kaur also contributed to this article. Americans’ First Amendment right to equal access to official government statements is violated by the Trump administration’s use of Truth Social’s preferential treatment scheme, which blocks peop…
EFF by David Greene
CNN left off Air Force One for Trump's upcoming trip, White House signals in new media restriction
The White House has signaled that CNN will be left off Air Force One for President Donald Trump's Saturday trip in the latest media restriction in an ongoing dispute with First Amendment implications.
NPR by The Associated Press
White House leaves CNN off upcoming Trump trip on Air Force One
The White House signalled Friday night that CNN would be left off Air Force One for U.S. President Donald Trump's Saturday trip, the latest media restriction from the administration in an ongoing dispute with First Amendment implications.
CBC News
Todd Blanche Falls Flat On His Face Defending Trump's Illegal Media Ban
Attorney General Todd Blanche's claims to ABC News that certain media outlets have become a national security threat in their reporting on the Trump administration fell flat and sounded moronic in his defense of Trump's media ban. Even after the judge issued …
Crooksandliars.com by John Amato
Trump Orders The FCC To Punish A Reporter. Where Did All The ‘Ministry Of Truth’ Screamers Go?
Remember the Disinformation Governance Board? As we were quick to point out, this organization was named in the dumbest possible way by some incompetent people within the Biden administration, which only fed into the [ahem] disinformation around it. The progr…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Only Trump Gets to Criticize the Supreme Court
“These are not the people I interviewed to serve.”
The Atlantic by Adam Serwer
Trump Breaks Law(s), Uses $20 Million In Taxpayer Money To Fund Midterm Propaganda
Trump FCC boss Brendan Carr endlessly pays empty lip service to the “public interest” and the “value of broadcasting integrity” as he engages in ham-fisted censorship of comedians and journalists the president doesn’t like. Or the illegal dismantling of media…
Techdirt by Karl Bode
Victory! Court Rejects Government Effort to Dismiss Social Media Surveillance Lawsuit
Judge Allows Social Media Surveillance Lawsuit Against Trump Administration to Move Forward NEW YORK — A lawsuit filed by three labor unions against the Departments of State and Homeland Security for their viewpoint-based surveillance and suppression of prot…
EFF by Hudson Hongo
DOJ Argues CNN & Other Outlets Can Be Banned From White House If Trump Determines They Didn’t Meet “Minimum Requirements Of Professionalism”
The Justice Department argued that Donald Trump can legally ban CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House because he determined that they didn’t meet the “minimum requirements of professionalism.” Last month, a federal judge granted the three outlets a te…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
ABC Tells Judge That Donald Trump’s Regulatory Threats Continue To Chill Its Speech, But Network Faces Jurisdictional Hurdle In FCC Lawsuit
A federal judge heard arguments on Tuesday in ABC’s First Amendment lawsuit against the FCC, with the network’s attorney arguing that the Trump administration’s threats to its broadcast licenses have created an ongoing chilling effect. The network sued the ag…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
At Hearing On Trump’s White House Ban, Judge Presses DOJ On Different Justifications For Freezing Out CNN, MS NOW And Politico
A federal judge said he will rule by Tuesday on Donald Trump’s ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds, while he pressed the government’s lawyers on the different justifications offered by the president and in the DOJ’s legal defense. U.S. Di…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
Antitrust Experts Doubt Donald Trump’s DOJ Has A Case In Going After Networks For Suspending White House TV Pool
News that the Justice Department is investigating five major networks for suspending the White House TV pool last month was met with outcry that it was another example of Trump administration retaliation against the media. Alarming as it may be to First Amend…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
Trump-appointed judge extends order blocking White House press ban
A federal judge on Tuesday extended an order blocking the Trump administration from banning reporters for three news outlets from the White House, a pivotal operational development for the news organizations as the extraordinary case pitting the president aga…
Yahoo Entertainment by HALLIE GOLDEN and MICHAEL KUNZELMAN
Federal judge grants preliminary injunction continuing to block Trump's media ban
The same judge issued a temporary restraining order last month.
Abcnews.com by ABC NEWS
MAGA Built The Censorship Machine It Spent Years Falsely Accusing Democrats Of Building
This is not a unique or new observation, but so many MAGA attacks on others are projection, claiming that Democrats were doing the very things that MAGA always knew they would do if they were in charge. We’ve certainly spent plenty of time talking about Donal…
Techdirt by Mike Masnick
Judge extends White House access for US media outlets amid Trump standoff
CNN, MS Now and Politico can continue to access White House as judge maintains Trump's ban likely illegal.
Al Jazeera English by Al Jazeera Staff
Donald Trump To Appeal Judge’s Ruling That Sidelined White House Ban On CNN, Politico And MS NOW
Donald Trump filed a notice of appeal of a judge’s ruling that has put on hold the White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the grounds. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee, granted the media outlets a preliminary injunction, which pr…
Deadline by Ted Johnson
Judge Rules Trump Administration Can’t Resume Ban On CNN, MS NOW & Politico From White House Grounds
A federal judge prohibited the Trump administration from banning CNN, MS NOW and Politico from the White House grounds. U.S. District Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee, wrote in his opinion that the news outlets “are likely to succeed not only on their d…
Deadline by Ted Johnson