Trump was for freedom of speech.....then he wasn't
In January 2025, Donald Trump took office and signed an executive order titled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship". The order's stated purpose was to secure the free speech rights of Americans from government interference.
The executive order (E.O. 14149)
Targeted previous administration's policies: The order claims the previous administration trampled free speech by pressuring social media companies to moderate content it disapproved of, under the guise of combating "misinformation".
Prohibited federal censorship: It ensures that no federal officers, employees, or taxpayer resources are used to abridge the free speech rights of any American citizen.
Launched investigations: The order directs the Attorney General to investigate potential censorship during the previous four years and recommend corrective actions.
Reactions and context
Support from conservative groups:
The conservative American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) praised the order, stating that it ensures federal government agents will not violate the free speech rights of Americans.
Criticism from civil liberties advocates: Civil liberties organizations, including the Center for Democracy and Technology and the American Civil Liberties Union, raised concerns about a potential disconnect between the stated intent of the order and subsequent actions by the Trump administration.
Accusations of contradictory actions:
As of September 2025, several news outlets and organizations have documented actions by the Trump administration that they say contradict the executive order's stated purpose. Examples include targeting journalists and media outlets critical of the administration and pressuring social media companies.
The executive order (E.O. 14149)
Targeted previous administration's policies: The order claims the previous administration trampled free speech by pressuring social media companies to moderate content it disapproved of, under the guise of combating "misinformation".
Prohibited federal censorship: It ensures that no federal officers, employees, or taxpayer resources are used to abridge the free speech rights of any American citizen.
Launched investigations: The order directs the Attorney General to investigate potential censorship during the previous four years and recommend corrective actions.
Reactions and context
Support from conservative groups:
The conservative American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) praised the order, stating that it ensures federal government agents will not violate the free speech rights of Americans.
Criticism from civil liberties advocates: Civil liberties organizations, including the Center for Democracy and Technology and the American Civil Liberties Union, raised concerns about a potential disconnect between the stated intent of the order and subsequent actions by the Trump administration.
Accusations of contradictory actions:
As of September 2025, several news outlets and organizations have documented actions by the Trump administration that they say contradict the executive order's stated purpose. Examples include targeting journalists and media outlets critical of the administration and pressuring social media companies.
