VIDEO: Peters Condemns Government Censorship, Trump Administration Attacks on Americans’ First Amendment Rights

WASHINGTON, DC – During a Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) condemned recent actions by the Trump Administration to censor media organizations and attack Americans’ First Amendment rights to free speech and freedom of the press. Peters’ remarks come after Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr threatened to take action against ABC and its parent company, Disney, including to revoke network broadcast licenses, over a monologue by comedian Jimmy Kimmel on his late-night show.

“I’d first just like to start by making a very clear statement. Government censorship is wrong. Full stop. It never should be tolerated,” said Senator Peters. “That should be no matter what side of the aisle that you’re on. I think we can agree that when the government takes adverse action against speech that it dislikes, it’s bad for all Americans and it is counter to the fundamental values that this country stands for.”

To watch the full video of Senator Peters’ remarks, click here.

“Currently, we’re seeing unprecedented efforts to wield government power as a tool to suppress free speech and stifle legitimate criticism and legitimate political discourse,” Peters continued. “In recent months, the Trump Administration has revoked media access over news coverage that didn't flatter the President... He also sued media outlets who published content that the President doesn't agree with and has launched baseless investigations into the President’s perceived political enemies.”

Peters concluded, “Let's be clear, these acts are unprecedented in American history. They rightfully raise alarms I think for every American. Thousands of Michiganders have reached out to my office, saying that we must hold the Trump Administration accountable to ensure that these abuses of power are not left unchecked.”

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