The David Pakman Show 9/16/25: They’re coming for the 1st Amendment, and they’re thrilled
Sep 16, 2025
The podcast tackles the alarming rise of political violence in the U.S., challenging Donald Trump's claims about its origins. It highlights the dangerous rhetoric from leaders urging supporters to target dissent and promotes an environment of mob violence. Concerns about self-censorship and the erosion of First Amendment rights are discussed, warning of potential authoritarianism. The episode also critiques the narrative labeling Democrats as extremists, drawing historical parallels and emphasizing the significance of protecting free speech in a polarized climate.
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Right-Wing Violence Is Dominant
- Multiple data sources show political violence in the U.S. is overwhelmingly right-wing rather than left-wing.
- David Pakman warns denying that reality gaslights the public and risks more violence by misdirecting accountability.
Eroding The First Amendment
- Trump and allies have questioned whether opponents deserve First Amendment protections and floated legal tools to punish dissent.
- Pakman frames this as an authoritarian pattern that normalizes targeting speech and dissent.
Labeling Opponents As Terrorists
- Stephen Miller and allies describe a plan to use DOJ and DHS resources to 'identify, disrupt, dismantle' networks presented as domestic terror.
- Pakman warns that relabeling political opponents as terrorists paves the way to dismantle democratic rights.
