Up First from NPR Trump And Free Speech, CDC On Childhood Vaccines, Antifa Terror Designation
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Sep 19, 2025 The discussion dives into President Trump's push for the FCC to target critical broadcasters, igniting debates about free speech and government overreach. A reshaped CDC vaccine panel is rolling back established childhood vaccine guidelines, raising safety concerns. Additionally, there's a move to label Antifa as a terrorist organization, stirred by recent violent incidents. These topics intertwine government power, public health, and civil liberties in a thought-provoking exploration.
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FCC Powers Can Be Used As Political Leverage
- The FCC can investigate and potentially revoke broadcast licenses, giving the chair leverage over networks.
- Tamara Keith reports that Brendan Carr's threats shift regulatory power into political pressure against critical coverage.
First Amendment Limits Versus Political Pressure
- Legal experts warn government action to punish speakers risks weaponizing power against speech.
- The First Amendment doesn't stop government pressure to try to get people fired, but it forbids penalizing speech directly, Tamara Keith explains.
Vaccine Guidance Is Being Reversed
- A CDC advisory panel reshaped by RFK Jr. appointees is revising long-standing child vaccine guidance.
- Ping Huang notes the panel voted to separate MMR and chickenpox shots for under-fours, reversing prior consensus.