Friend,

Each and every day, we learn of another egregious violation of First Amendment freedoms from this lawless administration and its enablers:

• The ongoing removal of reporters from the official press corps at the White House and the Pentagon — and the general crackdown on journalistic access to government officials
• The targeted detention of students speaking out for Palestinian rights
• Trump’s leveraging of federal agencies — like Chairman Carr’s censorship-happy FCC — to silence and shutter media outlets that don’t capitulate
• An entire surveillance apparatus monitoring social-media posts to improperly justify an inhuman deportation campaign

The administration wouldn’t be attacking our freedom of speech this much if they weren’t scared of what we have to say.

We’re convening a panel of experts and advocates to explore what’s happening to free speech and where we go from here. This is too important to miss. Secure your spot today.

Hope you can tune in,

Ruth

Friend,

Last week, Free Press proudly hosted an event in Los Angeles as part of FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez’s nationwide tour opposing government censorship and control. During the gathering we heard countless stories of courage under fire from policymakers, journalists and community members speaking out in defense of our fundamental freedoms.

Their courage is inspiring, but it’s also a grim reminder of how frightening the current era is. We are truly living in an age of retaliation, where the vindictive commander-in-chief and his allies are viciously wielding their power to punish dissidents and anyone else who dares to hold them accountable.

The future of our most essential freedoms is more in doubt than ever. This Thursday, we’re hosting a virtual conversation with another panel of experts to discuss the shifting landscape, the possible consequences for speaking out — and the surefire consequences of giving in. RSVP today to save your spot.

Here are the details:

• WHAT: Free Speech in the Age of Retaliation: Trump 2.0 & Attacks on Protests, the Press and Privacy
• WHEN: Wed., June 5, at 12 p.m. ET
• WHERE: RSVP on Zoom
• WHO: Free Press’ Nora Benavidez, Baher Azmy of the Center for Constitutional Rights and Damon Hewitt of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
• WHY: As Trump’s authoritarian takeover of government continues, the very notion of freedom is under threat. How do we safely oppose an administration that punishes dissent?

You won’t want to miss this — RSVP to our June 5 livestream right away!

Hope you can make it,

Nora