Free speech, according to Trump, becomes illegitimate when it holds overly negative views concerning him.
In a shift in stance on free speech, President Donald Trump has been vocal about what he perceives as biased reporting against him, especially after the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. This new position has led to a series of exchanges with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and FCC Chair Brendan Carr.
Sen. Cruz, a Republican from Texas, warned that Carr's suggestions could set a dangerous precedent for silencing free people. In response to Jimmy Kimmel's comments on the Charlie Kirk assassination, Carr, a Project 2025 contributor, suggested that the FCC could potentially revoke ABC affiliates' broadcasting licenses. However, it's important to note that no official announcement has been made regarding the revocation of these licenses.
Carr described free speech as a 'counterweight' and 'check on government control.' In contrast, Trump praised Carr as an 'incredible American patriot with courage.' Trump also claimed, without evidence, that 94% to 97% of newscasts are 'against' him.
Trump stated that reporting 'that's no longer free speech. That's no longer anything. That's just cheating.' He also called networks 'offshoots of the Democrat national committee.' In response, Trump vowed to 'immediately stop all government censorship and bring back free speech to America.'
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced intense criticism after suggesting that the Justice Department would 'absolutely target' people for alleged hate speech. Subsequently, she walked back her comments, declaring that freedom of speech is 'sacred' in the U.S., and her office would 'never impede upon that right.'
Trump also criticised Sen. Cruz's assessment of Carr and the FCC chair's stance on the use of airwaves. Trump stated that the FCC chair doesn't like to see the airwaves being used 'illegally and incorrectly and purposefully horribly.' Sen. Cruz, in turn, likened Carr's comments to something 'right out of 'Goodfellas'.'
As this debate unfolds, it's clear that the issue of free speech and its interpretation is a topic of contention in the current political climate. Trump has emphasised the importance of 'accurate' reporting, stating that 'reporting has to be at least accurate.' However, the specifics of the FCC chair's stance on the use of airwaves remain unclear.
