Bulwark Takes

CAUGHT: Vance, Rubio Admit Their Attacks On Speech Mean US NOT A Free Country In Old Video

Apr 17, 2025
Tim Miller and Sarah Longwell unpack the hypocrisy of political leaders like JD Vance and Marco Rubio, who once condemned authoritarian tactics but now remain silent as Trump weaponizes the IRS. They delve into the chilling effects of government targeting on free speech and explore historical precedents, questioning the integrity of current political stances. The discussion highlights the dangers of evolving ideologies and the troubling parallels to authoritarian regimes, emphasizing the ongoing threat to democracy and fundamental U.S. values.
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INSIGHT

J.D. Vance's Contradictory Warning

  • J.D. Vance stated that if the IRS can target people based on beliefs, the US is no longer a free country.
  • By his own standard, current actions mean the US is authoritarian, contradicting his present stance.
INSIGHT

Escalation in IRS Political Targeting

  • The current effort to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status is far more severe than past Tea Party IRS scrutiny.
  • This sets a dangerous precedent for politically motivated government retaliation beyond anything seen before.
INSIGHT

Harvard's Tax-Exempt Status Under Fire

  • Harvard is accused not of illegal political campaigning but of ideological bias and insufficient conservative representation.
  • The distinction between policy advocacy and direct political campaigning defines 501(c)(3) nonprofit limits.
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