As Trump Attacks Media, Merkley Calls on U.S. Senate to Stand Up for Free Speech

Washington, D.C. - Today, Oregon's U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley introduced a resolution to support Americans' fundamental right to freedom of speech following the Trump Administration's escalating attacks on media, including broadcasters, journalists, public media, and the First Amendment itself.

"Free speech isn't just a core American value-it's a foundation for democracy," said Merkley. "As Trump continues his authoritarian, un-American assault on free speech, the Senate must use its voice to defend this American right. This is the time to stand up for freedom and free speech."

The Merkley resolution comes after ABC temporarily removed comedian Jimmy Kimmel from the air following seemingly coercive comments by the Trump Administration. On September 17, 2025, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chair Brendan Carr implied he would pursue regulatory action against ABC and local broadcasters who continued to carry Kimmel's show, based on concerns with the show's content. Disney, ABC's parent company, temporarily pulled Kimmel off the air hours after.

These actions call into question President Trump and his Administration's commitment to the constitutional right to free speech, particularly when the government faces dissent.

Merkley's resolution calls on the President to commit to free speech consistent with the Constitution, reaffirms the Senate's unwavering commitment to the First Amendment, supports protecting media independence, condemns any threats to revoke media licenses solely based on content, urges the FCC to uphold the Constitution and statute, and rebukes the use of political violence against people exercising their protected free speech rights.

The resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

Full text of the resolution can be found by clicking here.

###