First Amendment

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Trump claims U.S. struck another alleged drug boat in international waters, killing 3
MSNBC· 2025-09-21 11:18
Government Overreach & Constitutional Concerns - The administration's strikes on Venezuelan boats are potentially illegal under domestic and international law, possibly violating federal laws including the prohibition on murder [2][3] - The administration's actions are seen as a potential assault on the Constitution, particularly regarding separation of powers and due process [7][21] - There are concerns about the administration's willingness to leverage political power to suppress dissent, potentially threatening core freedoms of speech and association [28][29] First Amendment & Free Speech - The administration is accused of indirectly pressuring private companies to silence speech, which could be a violation of the First Amendment [17] - An FCC commissioner allegedly threatened consequences for a network if they continued to air content the administration disliked, raising concerns about government coercion [16][18] - There are concerns about the selective application of free speech principles, with some supporting it only when it benefits them [19] Congressional Oversight & Accountability - There is a perceived lack of congressional oversight regarding the administration's actions, particularly from the Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader [9] - Calls for Congress to step up and provide oversight, hold hearings, and ensure accountability for potentially illegal actions [7][9] - The need for Congress to authorize actions that could be perceived as imminent threats to the United States [13] Potential Justifications & Public Opinion - Some may sympathize with aggressive actions if they believe they are stopping illegal drugs from entering the country and killing people [10] - The administration has an obligation to explain the evidence supporting their actions and the imminent threat they perceive [10][13] - Despite potential sympathy, there is a need to be serious about the responsibilities and proper role of government [14]
‘Do it the easy way or the hard way’: FCC chair sparks free speech crisis
MSNBC· 2025-09-20 19:55
We can do this the easy way or the hard way. Those are not the words of a mob boss and good fellas. Those are the words of the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. They were words of warning delivered on a right-wing podcast and aimed at the broadcasters of a late night comedian. >> Frankly, when you see stuff like this, I mean, look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action. frankly uh on Kimmel or you know there's going to b ...
‘They know’ it’s dangerous: Republican backlash grows against Kimmel suspension
MSNBC· 2025-09-20 14:20
We begin with growing Republican opposition to the Trump administration's efforts to silence dissenting voices. Now, Senator Ted Cruz is blasting the FCC chair for threats he made related to ABC suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live. Look, I like Brendan Carr. He's a good guy. He's the chairman of the FCC. I work closely with him. But what he said there is dangerous as hell. And and I got to say, he he he he threatens it. He says, "We can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way. " Yeah. And and I gott ...
The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell - Sept. 19 | Audio Only
MSNBC· 2025-09-20 09:44
The last word with Ally Veli starts right now. Hey Ally. >> Great conversation with Ezra.Uh not just about the size of the protest which you know Jen this has worked right. I mean this is happening. The the the army parade happened but that day as you and I remember >> the the counterprotests were much much bigger across the country.But the fascinating part is going after groups that organized peacefully. I mean this is this is something that's this is 2025 in our America. It it is and and their group which ...
MSNBC Highlights - Sept. 19
MSNBC· 2025-09-20 04:46
We got some breaking news tonight that the US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Eric Cybert, has told his office he is resigning after increasing pressure from Donald Trump. Sources tell MSNBC that staffers in the office were distraught at the news, some even crying when they found out. Cybert's resignation comes as Donald Trump has become increasingly frustrated that Cyber would not prosecute the New York Attorney General Leticia James on trumped up mortgage fraud charges. He had refused to ch ...
Free speech BACKLASH as even members of Trump's base reject his attack on the First Amendment
MSNBC· 2025-09-20 04:25
First, in the 48 hours since ABC announced it was indefinitely suspending late night host Jimmy Kimmel under pressure from Trump's lackey at the FCC, there has been a ton of outrage to the news from all across the country. Let's start with the people you know we knew would have a strong reaction. Like say Jimmy Kimmel's peers in late night comedy.We were all watching this over the last few days. Well guys, the big story is that Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by ABC after pressure from the FCC, leaving everyone ...
Oversight Dem: Epstein plea deal ‘smells to high heaven’
MSNBC· 2025-09-20 03:42
What surprised you. You heard the comments from ranking member Garcia. What surprised you today and and and did you find him credible.I think what surprised me most is how little information he actually shared in six hours. You know, it takes a lot of work to not answer questions for six hours. And let me just put it this way.uh he showed up with a binder full of uh pre-prepared statements, evidence that he was going to use of previous statements he had disclosed. And I think it's very interesting that uh d ...
U.S. Attorney resigns after Trump officials pushed him to bring bogus charges against NY AG
MSNBC· 2025-09-20 03:31
That is the judge in very legally terms. Um I think in this ruling did a couple of things. Dismissed these frivolous laws this frivolous lawsuit yet again.But also in this ruling I think Judge Mary Day he reaffirms New York Times versus Sullivan. He affirms that like we're we're just not going to play games with the with the free press. I'm wondering if you think this is I understand this is in the Supreme Court so officially there's no precedent here but do you think this is a signal to the o to other judg ...
X @The Wall Street Journal
The Wall Street Journal· 2025-09-20 01:19
From @WSJopinion: Equal freedom to speak, from Charlie Kirk to his critics, is our defining political faith. It’s why the First Amendment comes first. Rallying around free speech at this moment could rebuild our political culture, writes @RoKhanna. https://t.co/iuQ9LIjYY6 ...
All 9 Justices against MAGA censorship — if ABC defends Kimmel: 1st Am. Attorney Melber's report
MSNBC· 2025-09-20 00:07
Free Speech & Censorship - The report highlights concerns about potential government overreach and censorship, specifically focusing on the alleged pressure from the FCC on ABC to suspend Jimmy Kimmel [1][2][6][7][11] - The core issue revolves around whether the government is unlawfully coercing private companies to suppress free speech, which is a potential violation of the First Amendment [6][7][10] - The New York Times' successful defense against a lawsuit from Donald Trump, based on First Amendment protections, is presented as a contrasting example of standing up to perceived censorship [2][3][4][24] - The report emphasizes the unanimous (9-0) Supreme Court precedent against government coercion of private entities to suppress speech [8][9][10][11] Company Response & Industry Implications - ABC and Disney's initial decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel is portrayed as "giving in" or "rushing to surrender" to government pressure, unlike the New York Times [13][20][21][24] - Disney CEO Bob Iger's leadership is under scrutiny, with concerns that he is "co-signing" government censorship instead of defending his talent and the First Amendment [22][23][24] - The report mentions potential consumer backlash, including calls for boycotts of Disney products and services [19][20] - The media industry is urged to consider the long-term implications of complying with perceived government censorship, potentially leading down a dangerous path [17][19] Political & Legal Context - Donald Trump's actions are characterized as mirroring "authoritarian approaches to silencing dissent" [14] - The report notes that even some Republicans are wary of censorship efforts [4][5] - The report suggests that the current situation presents a test of American freedom and the willingness of companies to uphold the First Amendment [25][26][27]