In recent weeks, a wave of concern has surged among Democrats regarding what they perceive as a systematic assault on free speech by President Donald Trump. This anxiety has been sparked by a series of events, notably the attempt to cancel comedian Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show and the indictment of Trump’s long-time adversary, former FBI Director James Comey.
U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, one of the vocal critics, has connected Trump’s current actions to a broader trend of undermining free speech that dates back to his first term, particularly highlighting the controversial NFL protests initiated by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
In a recent interview with MSNBC, Crockett stated, “Colin Kaepernick was our first inkling that this was going to be someone [who] will use his governmental powers to go after free speech.” Her comments emphasize how Kaepernick’s protests were met with fierce opposition from Trump, illuminating a pattern of retaliatory politics against dissenters.
Back in 2017, Trump boasted about his role in Kaepernick’s continued exclusion from NFL teams after he became a free agent. This stems from Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the National Anthem as a protest against police brutality and racial injustice. Trump reveled in the idea that NFL owners were apprehensive about signing Kaepernick due to the fear of receiving negative tweets from him, effectively showcasing the extent of his influence.
As Kaepernick and numerous athletes began their protests, Trump did not shy away from expressing his disdain. He labeled their protests as “unpatriotic” and disrespectful to the American flag, famously declaring, “Get that son of a b*tch off the field…he’s fired!” Critics have argued that these protests are quintessentially American acts and protected under the First Amendment, underscoring the conflict between patriotic sentiment and individual rights.
During Trump’s intense scrutiny of the NFL, many chose to overlook the implications of his statements about free speech. Rep. Crockett pointed out that public reaction was often split: “Either you agreed with what he was talking about or you didn’t, and you let it go, and that’s not what speech is supposed to be about.” Free speech should allow for diverse opinions, and such discussions should not be quashed merely because they are unpopular.
Now, with Trump potentially beginning another term, fears about the erosion of free speech grow louder. Democrats worry about intimidation affecting various sectors, including media outlets, law firms, and colleges. Congresswoman Crockett emphasizes the urgency of this moment, insisting that Americans must resist the urge to yield to Trump’s political might.
“I want the American people to know that when you stand up to a bully, you win. Do not back down. Do not bend,” Crockett stated firmly. She warns that if people begin to capitulate to such pressure, it could lead to the unraveling of democratic principles—a notion that strikes at the heart of American identity.