1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I’m writing as a concerned constituent who believes our First Amendment protections are being tested in ways that should alarm every American. A recent news segment highlighted ABC’s lawsuit against the FCC, alleging intimidation tactics tied to political pressure. Regardless of anyone’s political views, government influence over news organizations is a direct threat to free speech and a free press. The First Amendment is not negotiable. It is not partisan. It is the foundation that allows citizens to speak openly, criticize government, and access information without fear of censorship or retaliation. When any administration—state or federal—attempts to pressure media outlets, it undermines public trust and weakens the democratic safeguards that protect all of us.