1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my alarm over the escalating attacks on free speech and the freedom of the press under the current Republican administration. The actions taken in recent months, ranging from the rolling back of protections for whistleblowers and journalistic sources, to the troubling resignation at 60 Minutes, to former President Donald Trump’s overt threats against The New York Times constitute a grave threat to our democracy. These are not isolated incidents, they are part of a dangerous and overtly intentional pattern: an administration increasingly willing to undermine the rule of law, disregard constitutional norms, and silence dissent in pursuit of political power. The First Amendment is not a suggestion, there to protect only speech that is comfortable or in support of the current administration. It’s a bedrock principle of who and what we are as a nation, with unalienable Constitutional rights that are meant to apply to ALL. The erosion of its protections endangers not just journalists and whistleblowers, but every American who values transparency, accountability, and the truth. I call on you, as my direct elected representative who has sworn to uphold the Constitution, to use every tool at your disposal to defend and protect the freedoms of speech and the press. This includes enacting legislation that strengthens legal safeguards for journalists, whistleblowers, and the public’s right to know. Congress must make clear that these liberties are not up for negotiation and must not be eroded by political pressure or authoritarian tactics. The future of our democracy depends on it. Your constituents are watching. History is watching. Do the right thing.