In the course of his re-election campaign, Donald Trump positioned himself as a champion of free speech. It is no surprise that one of the first executive orders of his second term was titled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship.” This order criticized the Biden administration for allegedly censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms and aimed to secure the right of the American people to engage in constitutionally protected speech without interference from federal entities.
Despite drawing praise from Trump supporters and some outside the MAGA camp, including NetChoice, a trade organization representing major tech companies, questions arise regarding Trump’s lawsuits against media organizations that have criticized him. These lawsuits, notably against CBS and the Des Moines Register, raise concerns about Trump’s commitment to free speech.
While the anti-censorship executive order may have merit regardless of Trump’s hypocrisy, the notion that a second Trump administration would usher in a new era of free speech in America is questionable. Progressive speech suppression is a real issue, but relying on Trump as a solution is misguided.
The executive order focuses on allegations that the previous administration curtailed free speech rights related to COVID-19 by pressuring social media companies to remove misinformation. While concerns about government overreach in combating misinformation are valid, disinformation poses a real threat to democracy that must be addressed carefully.
Attempts to portray the Biden administration as stifling public debate are exaggerated, as it was during the first Trump administration that left-wing illiberalism peaked. Trump’s track record of retaliating against critics through legal actions and executive orders targeting diversity and inclusion further underscore his complex relationship with free speech.
In conclusion, while Trump may claim to champion free speech, his actions and policies suggest a selective approach to protecting speech rights. The notion of Trump as a warrior for free speech is undermined by his retaliatory behavior and partisan handling of misinformation. Balancing the need to combat disinformation with safeguarding free speech rights remains a complex challenge that requires thoughtful consideration.