Eight months later, Trump’s promise to ‘bring back free speech’ collapses into farce
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US Revokes Six Visas Over Charlie Kirk Death Comments
Above: A makeshift memorial for Charlie Kirk at Memorial Park in Provo, Utah, on Sept. 12, 2025. Image copyright: Melissa Majchrzak/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Americans can fiercely argue among themselves — that is their constitutional right — but non-citizens who spread hateful rhetoric and celebrate the killing of U.S. citizens like Charlie have no claim to a welcome. America is not a doormat, and hospitality carries terms, with visa revocations making clear that those who glorify violence against Americans will be barred. The government must defend American borders and culture by ensuring that only those who respect its values are granted the privilege of visiting.
Democratic narrative
Trump's visa revocations strike at the core of constitutionally protected speech, targeting legal immigrants simply for expressing opinions the government finds objectionable. The policy also exposes a stark contradiction: while claiming to uphold free speech, the administration suppresses dissent. Legal immigrants now face real fear of deportation for lawful speech, as America is transformed into a country that punishes free expression rather than welcoming diverse viewpoints.