Trump’s tactics may deepen, not end, America’s cancel-culture battle
The piece argues that despite Republican control, free-speech issues persist and President Trump’s actions, such as subpoenaing journalists, risk worsening censorship.
Two years into Republican rule, the nation still grapples with the legacy of cancel culture, and the author sees no sign of its demise. While progressives once were blamed for stifling dissent, the current administration under Donald Trump is portrayed as perpetuating similar restrictions, exemplified by a subpoena targeting one outlet journalists that the Justice Department later withdrew. Additional flashpoints include a clash with one outlet over Jimmy Kimmel and Trump’s refusal to let networks air his remarks on election integrity, alongside former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s comments on “hate speech.”
Commentators like Matt Taibbi note the randomness of Trump’s censorship compared with prior systematic efforts. The piece urges conservatives to embrace free-speech absolutism, referencing a Freedom Conservatism statement that prioritizes the First Amendment as essential to the republic’s health.
Why it matters
It highlights how current political leaders may be undermining free speech, a core democratic principle.
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