The Trump administration is facing criticism from across the political spectrum over its response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with concerns that officials are threatening core First Amendment protections.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said this week that “hate speech that crosses the line into threats of violence is NOT protected,” pledging prosecutions. But Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) accused Bondi of hypocrisy, saying she refused to pursue earlier threats against him and his family. Bondi also raised eyebrows by suggesting federal action against an Office Depot employee who declined to print vigil posters for Kirk — despite legal scholars noting no federal law authorizes prosecutions for such political discrimination.
Vice President J.D. Vance urged Americans to report those celebrating Kirk’s killing, while the State Department announced it would revoke visas in such cases. Critics argue the administration is stretching legal authority. “Unfortunately the administration’s response has been disappointing and deeply chilling,” said Aaron Terr of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, warning of long-term damage to free speech.
Conservatives including Erick Erickson and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) cautioned that endorsing the concept of “hate speech” prosecutions risks backfiring politically and legally. Meanwhile, President Trump has backed Bondi, while also joking to reporters that she might target journalists for “hate.”
Sources
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