The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) The plan was announced To combat the potential violations of free speech the country could face if former President Trump is re-elected.
In a new memo published Thursday, the ACLU warned that a second term for President Trump could pose a range of threats to democracy by targeting political opponents, seeking to crack down on protesters and a free press, and “misusing” executive power to surveil Americans.
Cecilia Wang, deputy legal director of the ACLU, wrote: In a statement “Relying on implicit norms about presidential behavior is simply insufficient.”
“Mr Trump is now threatening to become even more uncontrollable if given a second chance,” she said, “and that a second Trump administration would be prepared to defend protesters, dissenters, journalists and anyone else under attack.”
The union pointed to a number of Trump’s past actions and comments that pose a risk of eroding free speech if he wins against President Biden in November. The union suggested Trump would likely use federal law enforcement to respond to protesters, following his deployment of federal law enforcement to Portland, Oregon, during Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020.
The ACLU filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its protest tactics at the time.
The group also warned that Trump could threaten journalists, political opponents and others with investigations and prosecutions.
“Donald Trump has not been shy about intimidating those he sees as his enemies,” the memo reads. “He has threatened prosecution and violence against President Joe Biden and members of the Biden Administration, poll workers, former generals and ousted former officials of his own administration, protesters, journalists, immigrants, and many others.”
The ACLU also outlined its response in a 14-page memo, saying it stands ready to sue over potential violations and will urge Congress, as well as local and state governments, to protect the rights of Americans through legal advocacy.
“When Americans disagree with the President’s policies and actions, it will be more important than ever for them to exercise their right to free speech through protest, dissent, and direct public force to challenge President Trump’s excesses,” the memo said.
The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment.
