Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of American democracy. It sparks debate that informs the people and fuels the free exchange of ideas. It holds our leaders accountable, guarding against tyranny. Above all else, it ensures that every voice is given the chance to be heard. It provides every citizen — regardless of their ideology — a seat at the table of democracy. History shows that when authoritarians try to take the reins of power, they begin by stifling the voice of the opposition. In the United States today, we are witnessing that very historical pattern unfold.
Just as Socrates served as a “gadfly” in Plato’s “Apology,” dissenting voices today act as a check on power and compel members of a democracy to examine their beliefs and morality. Socrates’ dissent strengthened the city of Athens by challenging complacency and pushing Athenians toward greater virtue. Dissent is a force for good, yet in our modern democracy, comedians and talk-show hosts are being silenced for voicing dissenting views. After Stephen Colbert criticized the settlement made between President Trump and CBS’s parent company Paramount Global, CBS announced that after its next season “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” would come to an end. Just this past week, another talk-show host was on the chopping block. Following Jimmy Kimmel’s speculation on the political leanings of the suspected shooter in Charlie Kirk’s killing, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr demanded that Kimmel be suspended in a blatant disregard of Kimmel’s First Amendment rights. ABC quickly folded and suspended Jimmy Kimmel’s show indefinitely. As a talk-show host, Kimmel was hired to provide commentary on current events. He was merely performing his role when he faced criticism and was penalized for his remarks.
Words matter, and when leaders exploit their power to threaten opposing ideologies, free speech is not only challenged, it is endangered. President Donald Trump celebrated Colbert’s cancellation on Truth Social, and even alluded to Kimmel being next. Furthermore, Trump continues to attack the free press, targeting two other talk-show hosts by stating “That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!!” As Colbert’s show cancellation, Kimmel’s suspension and Trump’s social media condemnations reveal, statements made by the current administration vowing to silence the opposition are not just threats — they are a promise. ABC may have reversed course by reinstating Kimmel’s show, but Kimmel’s initial suspension reveals just how directly this administration threatens free speech. Leading cultural figures are being punished for speaking their minds, demonstrating that the U.S. government has a new policy: censorship.
The administration has not stopped at attacking the free press. Currently, presidential aides are drafting an executive order to punish left-leaning organizations for promoting ideologies that Trump disagrees with. The administration has already punished university leaders, government employees, law firms, federal prosecutors and talk show hosts for espousing views inconsistent with Trump’s agenda. If none of these organizations are safe, then what is preventing the current administration from coming after average Americans?
Even former Fox News host and conservative podcaster Tucker Carlson agrees that the administration’s crackdown on free speech has gone too far. He stated if this continues, “There is never a more justified moment for civil disobedience than that — ever, and there never will be.” Additionally, Republican Senator Ted Cruz compared the FCC chairman to a mafia boss, arguing that his demands for ABC are “dangerous as hell.” If even known allies of this administration feel that they have to speak out, then one of America’s most cherished values, the freedom of speech, is under direct threat.
Our nation is at a tipping point, and we have a choice. We can ignore the flashing warning signs and let our most vital freedoms disappear before our eyes, or we can recommit to the principle that is the lifeblood of our democracy: free speech. Just as history has shown that we must remain vigilant during times of authoritarianism, history has also shown that significant and positive change can happen when we are united. Together, we have already made an impact. A bipartisan group of individuals came together in defense of free speech after Kimmel’s cancellation, and ABC listened. We the people have power and together we can defend the right of every American to speak and protect the freedoms that make us the United States.
Alex Funk, co-Political Director of the Notre Dame College Democrats
Class of 2028
Sep. 28, 2025
