The Intercept Briefing

Trump’s Cult of Power Cancels Free Speech

9 snips
Sep 19, 2025
Media analyst Adam H. Johnson, co-host of the Citations Needed podcast, dives deep into the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's death and the right's power consolidation. He explores how this event is being leveraged to push shock-doctrine policies and normalize vigilante behavior against dissenters. Johnson highlights the troubling shift within corporate media towards Trumpism, revealing how billionaire acquisitions are reshaping narratives and undermining democratic discourse. Tune in for insights on the evolving landscape of media and free speech.
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INSIGHT

Shock Doctrine In Play

  • The Kirk killing is being used to push pre-existing authoritarian agendas under a shock-doctrine playbook.
  • The administration exploits emotional moments to ram through laws and punish dissent.
INSIGHT

Long-Term Power Consolidation

  • The goal is broader than 2028 election control; it's to cripple Democratic institutions long-term.
  • Gutting media, nonprofits, and doxxing dissenters makes Democrats perpetually weaker.
INSIGHT

State-Backed Doxxing Emerges

  • Vigilante doxxing is now state-backed instead of purely organic.
  • Canary Mission-style lists have been embedded into official deportation and targeting efforts.
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