Dear John,
Trump’s new directive, NSPM-7, could make it a crime to criticize him.
In September, Trump ordered the Attorney General and the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Homeland Security to implement new measures to “counter domestic terrorism and political violence.”
Now, at first glance, this may sound reasonable. After all, we all oppose political violence. But the reality is far more dangerous: NSPM-7 hands the federal government sweeping power to target anyone who speaks out against Trump or his administration. It’s a blueprint for criminalizing disagreement as “terrorism.”
The memo’s language is alarmingly reminiscent of the McCarthy-era witch hunts, when Americans were blacklisted, silenced, and ruined for expressing their opinions. It’s filled with the same kinds of vague, accusatory terms — “anti-American, anti-capitalist, anti-Christian” — McCarthy once used to smear and destroy political opponents.
Under these sweeping definitions, peaceful advocacy could be branded as extremism. A sermon, a protest sign, an op-ed in a student paper, or even a donation to a social justice or environmental group could be held up as “evidence” of disloyalty.
Send a message to your members of Congress urging immediate hearings to review the implementation, effects, and legality of Trump’s “NSPM-7” memo; as well as oversight to prevent funding of surveillance of lawful political activity.
Trump has already made clear whom he considers the enemy. He’s called Democrats “vermin,” “scum,” and “the enemy within.” He’s told members of the Navy and Marines to “take care of this little gnat on our shoulder called the Democrats.” Such rhetoric isn’t just petty or divisive — it’s highly dangerous, especially when paired with a presidential memo designed to give those words the force of law.
Now, NSPM-7 gives Trump the legal framework to act on his threats — to investigate, harass, or imprison anyone who dares to disagree. This memo is not about safety. It’s about silencing dissent. It’s a direct assault on the First Amendment — and on every American’s right to speak freely, worship freely, and associate without fear.
Congress must intervene immediately. We must demand hearings in the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees to examine the implementation of NSPM-7, testimony from DOJ, Treasury, and DHS on the memo’s legality, and appropriations provisions to prevent funding to surveil or penalize lawful political activity.
If left unchecked, NSPM-7 could turn ordinary citizens into suspects simply for speaking their minds. That’s not democracy — it’s a return to the darkest days of McCarthyism, when fear and accusation replaced freedom and truth.
Add your name now. Tell Congress to protect the First Amendment, restore constitutional checks, and stop Trump’s newest assault on free speech and dissent.
Thank you for standing up to defend our fundamental values.
Robert Reich
Inequality Media Civic Action
