Decoder with Nilay Patel The FCC is a now a weapon in Trump’s war on free speech
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Feb 13, 2025 
Matt Wood, VP and General Counsel at Free Press, discusses the alarming shifts in the FCC's role under the Trump administration. He highlights how this has led to government interference in media and a culture of fear among journalists. The conversation addresses serious threats to First Amendment rights, the suppression of dissenting voices, and parallels to historical censorship. Wood emphasizes the urgent need to uphold press freedoms as the battle against political overreach intensifies and explores the complex dynamics between media integrity and government power.
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FCC as a Weapon
- Brendan Carr, FCC Chair, uses his authority to punish broadcasters disliked by Trump.
- His actions represent unprecedented attacks on free speech and newsroom independence.
Free Speech Subversion
- The Trump administration's actions contradict their free speech rhetoric.
- They demand amplification of their views, while suppressing opposing voices and media.
Carr's Shift on Newsroom Interference
- Brendan Carr, FCC chair, previously defended newsroom autonomy.
- Now, he's targeting media outlets for content and viewpoints.