TRANSCRIPT: At Presser, Leader Schumer Slams President Trump’s Weaponization Of The Federal Government And Unveils NOPE Act To Protect Free Speech

Washington, D.C. - Today, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) spoke at a virtual press conference to condemn President Trump's use of federal power against political opponents and to announce the introduction of the No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act, legislation designed to prevent politically motivated investigations and safeguard First Amendment rights. Below are Senator Schumer's remarks:

It seems that Donald Trump, sometimes when you look at it, has turned the entire federal government into a giant attack dog to go after his enemies and all the people he doesn't like, regardless of law, regardless of any of the norms that we have treasured in this country. He's treated his office to serve him - not the American people - and his inner circle and punish anyone who challenges him. He has a hit list of his own perceived political enemies and perverted the power of the executive branch to attack them. As I said, one giant attack dog.

He issued threats against his critics. He's pressured TV networks to pull shows and reports off the air. It's appalling. He says, if I don't like what they report, they shouldn't have a license to broadcast. Isn't that amazing? He even investigated senators, a Congressmember here [Rep. Crow], for speaking out. And Trump, along with his fellow henchmen, Bondi, Hegseth, Carr, have consistently violated Americans' constitutional rights. He's done a lot under the guise of protecting America against domestic terrorism or political violence. That's absurd. That's sort of doublethink, 1984 language. And the American people know better than to believe his bullshit. It's clear what's actually happening. He's hunting down those who disagree with him. He's trying to intimidate every one of the rest of us into not speaking out. But of course, we will continue to speak out even more strongly after he does all these egregious attacks on free speech, on rule of law, and we have to stop him.

So that's why I'm proud and was eager to help introduce the NOPE Act - No Political Enemies. And it's designed very simple. It's, you know, part of our hallowed Constitution. Let's protect our First Amendment rights and safeguard Americans from politically motivated prosecutions. So far, his plan to protect the homeland against domestic [terrorism and political] violence has been nothing but thinly veiled attacks on Democratic and left-leaning activists.

He targets those who dare speak out against him. And he's not - that's not keeping our country safe. It's creating fear. It's quashing dissent. The NOPE Act would make sure that no federal official may target individuals or organizations because of their speech and associations.

And of course, we can't stop there. Bondi recently put out a memo which claimed to be a response to domestic terrorism but when you read it - and I urge people to read it - it becomes clear it's a vehicle to attack Democratic and left-leaning people and organizations. Does the memo mention known and established threats like the Proud Boys or the Oath Keepers? No. Does it mention the KKK is a domestic terror threat or the Aryan Brotherhood? No. So if you wanted to get serious about real political violence, unconstitutional violence, you would have to look into the organizations that I just mentioned who have a well-documented history of violence and advocacy of violence. But instead, Bondi blanketly defines the threat almost entirely around ideologies the President opposes. The directive blurs the line, and that's what they want to do, between legitimate dissent and unlawful violence. They want to just be able to pick off those who speak out and act against them. So, I'm demanding that Bondi clarify this memo and ensure that constitutionally protected political speech, activity, and advocacy can continue without being subjected to unlawful investigation and prosecution. They cannot be allowed to continue this misguided, deceptive, and corrupt approach to addressing political violence.

We all know how important freedom of speech is in our democracy. We all know how we are fighting to protect it. It's sacred. And the NOPE Act will protect a further slide to authoritarianism, a path Donald Trump continues to push. He is an authoritarian, and you know that just by watching him for an hour, let alone this horrible year that he has been president.

The bill stands up to political intimidation, protects the rights of every American, assures the First Amendment remains a shield for free expression, not a target for abuse. And I call on my Republican colleagues, particularly here in the Senate, to support this important legislation. A number of them know it's the right thing to do. Let them have the courage to join us. And together we can halt further weaponization of the Department of Justice and stop Trump from turning it into his own personal attack tool.

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