Tech Policy Podcast 423: Free Speech Hypocrites
32 snips
Nov 13, 2025 Ari Cohn, lead counsel for tech policy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, dives into alarming trends surrounding free speech under the Trump administration. He discusses law firms pressured by the government, questioning their ethical integrity. Cohn labels the administration's treatment of political opponents as potentially terroristic. The conversation also touches on pressure from the FCC on media outlets and the chilling effects on universities and international students. Cohn predicts a worrying future for free speech amidst rising censorship.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Law Firm Attacks Undermine Rule Of Law
- The Trump executive orders targeting law firms for representing disliked clients attack the rule of law and lawyer independence.
- Ari Cohn says these orders were
Quick Settlements Erode Professional Trust
- When firms like Paul Weiss quickly settled with the administration it damaged public trust in the legal profession.
- Corbin Barthold warns such capitulation weakens future defenses of controversial clients.
Disclose Conflicts From Vague Government Deals
- Disclose conflicts to clients when firms make vague settlement deals with the government.
- Corbin argues clients must be warned because terms could change and impair representation.