First Amendment Under Fire

Documenting systematic threats to free speech, access to information, and government transparency

First Amendment Protections

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Source: U.S. Constitution

"If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable."

Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Texas v. Johnson (1989)

Latest Constitutional Threats

Foreign Emoluments Violations

  • Recent Gifts:
    • $400M Boeing 747-8 aircraft from Qatar
    • $2B UAE investment in Trump-affiliated crypto fund
  • Constitutional Issue: Direct violation of Emoluments Clause
  • Date: May 17, 2025
  • Status: Under investigation by oversight committees

Executive Order Overreach

  • Recent Blocks:
    • Birthright citizenship order (14th Amendment violation)
    • Federal employee buyout program
    • Mass deportation attempt using 1798 law
  • Public Response: 51% say excessive executive orders used
  • Status: Multiple orders facing court challenges