So-called free speech under Trump’s gaze
The First Amendment stands as a cornerstone of American democracy. It safeguards freedom of speech, of the press, the right to assemble and protest, to practice religion (or abstain), and to petition the government for redress. In principle, it ensures the powerful remain accountable, amplifying the voices of everyday citizens.
Yet if Donald Trump has his way, the First Amendment could soon fade into a relic – a hollow safeguard extended only to those who echo the president’s praise.
Trump has never hidden his contempt for the press, branding it “the enemy of the people” and accusing reporters of hurting the country. He has threatened to strip licenses and credentials from critical outlets, fantasised about jailing leakers and journalists alike, and cheered lawsuits designed to bankrupt his detractors.
The chilling effects are already evident. Just this week, ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! indefinitely amid pressure from the Trump administration and FCC (Federal Communications Commission) threats over Kimmel’s monologue – where he mocked conservative efforts to politicise the assassination of Charlie Kirk, suggesting the suspect might align with MAGA ranks. This isn’t mere corporate caution; it’s political censorship targeting a sharp critic of the White House.
With loyalists now entrenched across government and fewer checks on his impulses, the question isn’t if he’ll push further – it’s how far.
Take the Pentagon’s fresh directive: Reporters can no longer gather or publish any information – classified or not – without explicit government authorisation, on pain of revoked credentials and barred access to the officials they’re duty-bound to scrutinise. These aren’t the moves of a vibrant democracy. They’re the playbook of a regime that views independent inquiry as insurrection.
In a Trump-led America, free speech would belong to the ralliers chanting his name, not the dissenters. Protesters might face swift deployment of the National Guard – or worse. Whistleblowers would be smeared as traitors and hunted under expansive national security pretexts. Late-night satirists would self-censor or vanish from the airwaves. And the free press? It would endure relentless barrages of defunding, defamation suits, and probes until it knelt to the Oval Office’s tune.
This isn’t speculation. Trump has vowed to “open up” libel laws, easing his path to sue journalists into silence. He’s lauded strongmen who jail critics and pledged “retribution” against foes. To him, the First Amendment isn’t a shield – it’s a snag in need of excision.
The true horror, though, lies not just in Trump’s rhetoric, but in its reception. Millions now believe free speech is a perk for those who share their worldview, that a vigilant press is a peril when it unmasks their champion. In this echo chamber, shredding the First Amendment wouldn’t register as democratic sabotage – it would be hailed as “saving America.”
The Constitution might endure Trump’s second term inked on parchment. But its soul – the unyielding truth that no leader towers above reproach – is under siege. Once speech hinges on allegiance to the throne, it’s no longer liberty; it’s license.
The First Amendment isn’t a favour for the faithful. It’s an ironclad right for every American, above all those bold enough to call out power’s abuses. Stay silent today, and tomorrow, you may find your voice revoked.
Also by Michael Taylor:
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Dogshit Donny, The Trump Lump, a highly concentrated essence of brown turdery, remains the most ridiculous political perverted object polluting civilisation and social harmony. His immediate evaporation would be highly desirable. A lovely atomisation might cure some suffering, anxieties, betrayals. Trump, a liar, traitor, thief, remains the extreme putrid political pox of our irritations. SPEW.
Thanks for your insights, Michael
It seems quite astonishing that a cult is being developed around the memory and legacy of Charlie Kirk.
The one thing you cannot say, as Jimmy Kimmel found out, is that the alleged assassin, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, may have had MAGA leanings: so far there is no evidence that he had any connections to the Democrats or any other political party beyond his family being registered Republicans but he, himself had never voted.
Evidently, Kirk brought quite a number of young, right wing fundamentalist Christians into the Trump White House and he influenced many more.
Kirk’s body was flown home to Arizona from Utah last week on Air Force 2, accompanied by US Vice President JD Vance. Vance had a close friendship with Kirk and says “I owe so much to Charlie. If it weren’t for Charlie Kirk, I would not be the vice president of the United States … It’s one of the reasons why I feel so indebted to him,” Vance said as he guest-hosted an episode of the Charlie Kirk Show on Monday.
A large contingent of senior White House officials and staffers are travelling to Kirk’s public funeral to be held this weekend to celebrate what is called his “remarkable life and enduring legacy”.
‘The memorial service will begin on Sunday morning at the 63,000-capacity State Farm Stadium in Glendale, the home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals’.
I wonder if we will ever know what the motivations of the 22 year-old alleged assassin were and what, if any political affiliations he has. What seems clear is that as the narrative unfolds we will only get to hear about it if it fits the Trump demonisation of the Democrats and the so called ‘Left’ who he describes as “vicious and horrible”.
“Stay silent today, and tomorrow, you may find your voice revoked.” It. Is. Already. Happening!!!
Terry:
So far, all the evidence suggests that Robinson was a Groyper – one of Nick Fuentes’ “black-pilled” ultra-far-right incel accelerationists.
I’ve had to do a deep-dive into the USAnian ultra-far-right sphere the last couple of weeks and it’s a nasty, tangled mess.
…..and all the while as we watch the US of A slowly swirl around the drain I’m reminded that I need to buy some more popcorn. 😉
Thank you, Terry.
Carol has a keen interest in constitutional law, so she was the driver behind this piece.
Transparency…hang on, it should be parency, because “trans” is a no-no in Hegseth’s world. Anyway, transparency? Suurree…
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5513791-pentagon-media-pledge-against-leaks/
Thanks Michael and Carol
It’s going to get interesting in New York next week with Netanyahu flying in and expecting to address the UN General Assembly [whilst the Palestinian Authority were denied visas to enter the US for the GA meeting].
This is a direct snub of the UN and the International Criminal Court who still have an arrest warrant out for this crook [I should say alleged crook but I’ll stick with crook].
Evidently Netanyahu’s flight will take an indirect route to the US East Coast to avoid flying over countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute and would be obliged to arrest him should the aircraft put down for any reason.
Must be interesting for students of international and constitutional law at the present time as we see the rule of law trashed and democracy archived and marked “for historical and academic reference only”.
I had a law lecturer when at university who argued that there was no such thing as international law as a law can only be recognised as such if it has effective sanctions imposed on breaches – ask Bibi about that!
Strava the fitness app has a In memory of Charlie Kirk club on it. Over 5000 members so far. Had a run in with one on my feed, that took umberance to my critisism of his BS. And saying we dont have free speech in our country. To which I replied at least we are not shutting it down like your mob is. I have pit in a complaint to Strava that we do not need this sort of politics on the platform.
Thanks Michael.
So much for the vaunted “rule of law”, because along with the trashing of the First Amendment, there is now an equally serious impediment to the average citizen’s rights under the Fourth Amendment – thanks to the US Supreme Court no less.
The Court’s decision has effectively reversed the onus of proof contained within the Fourth Amendment.
A retired Judge put the matter thus:
“Last week, in an unsigned order issued without an explanation, and in direct defiance of the plain language of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, the Supreme Court of the United States permitted federal police to stop persons in public and demand to see proof of lawful presence here — and in the absence of that proof, to arrest them”.
https://consortiumnews.com/2025/09/18/show-me-your-papers/
The author issues this challenge:
“To my colleagues in media, law and academia who love liberty, WHERE IS YOUR OUTRAGE before you are stopped and have no papers to show?”