On September 18, 2025, a coalition of Democratic lawmakers gathered in Washington, D.C., to unveil legislation they say is urgently needed to protect the nation’s foundational right to free speech. The proposed bill, known as the No Political Enemies (NOPE) Act, comes amid mounting accusations that President Donald Trump and his administration are wielding the power of the federal government to stifle dissent and target political opponents. The announcement, delivered at a packed press conference, follows a series of high-profile threats and actions by top administration officials, which critics warn could mark a dangerous erosion of American democratic norms.
Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Representative Jason Crow (D-Colo.-6), flanked by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Representatives Greg Casar (D-Texas-35), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.-06), and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.-10), outlined the stakes of their legislative push. The NOPE Act, they explained, is designed to shield individuals and organizations—ranging from non-profits and faith groups to media outlets and educational institutions—from what they describe as politically motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government.
The timing of the announcement is no accident. It comes in the wake of threats from President Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and White House Senior Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller to use the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a justification for intensifying crackdowns on left-leaning individuals and organizations. According to Senator Murphy, “Since taking office, President Trump has engaged in a relentless campaign to silence dissent in this country. Targeting Democratic elected officials for prosecution, violating appropriations law to browbeat colleges and universities, and restricting access for journalists was just the start of this broad effort to weaponize the federal government to consolidate power and go after his perceived political enemies.”
Murphy’s words echoed a broader sense of alarm among his colleagues. Representative Crow, referencing the killing of Kirk, stated, “Charlie Kirk’s murder was horrific. Everyone, regardless of party, must unequivocally condemn political violence. Past presidents have used these tragic moments to unite the nation. President Trump has instead used this moment to squash political dissent, attack basic rights, and seize power. We must speak out and fight back to protect our democracy.”
Senate Democratic Leader Schumer was equally blunt, calling the administration’s actions “abhorrent.” He warned, “This isn’t a new campaign – they have long been engaged in an ever-escalating campaign to use the mighty power of the federal government to attack civil society. We Democrats won’t stand for it – we are going to fight it in the courts, we are going to fight it in the court of public opinion, and we are going to fight these attacks in Congress.”
The NOPE Act, as described by its sponsors, would do several things. It would reaffirm the constitutionally protected right to free speech, establish clear and enforceable protections to deter government abuse, empower individuals and organizations to defend themselves, and create meaningful accountability for officials who cross the line. Crucially, it would also prohibit the use of federal funds for any investigations or regulatory actions that would suppress protected speech.
Senator Padilla, who joined his colleagues at the podium, provided vivid examples of what he sees as the administration’s overreach. According to Padilla’s office, the Trump administration has recently sued major media outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal over unfavorable coverage, threatened reporters with prosecution, and pressured networks to cancel shows such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. “What happened to Jimmy Kimmel last night, and Stephen Colbert, for that matter, isn’t just about one comedian or one television personality, or any one network — it’s about whether we as Americans still have the freedom to laugh at those in power, to question authority, and to tell the truth without fear of retribution,” Padilla said at the press conference.
Padilla also recounted his own experience of being thrown to the ground and handcuffed after asking a pointed question at a press conference with the Secretary of Homeland Security. He argued, “History shows us that when leaders start silencing entertainers and journalists and critics, it’s not because they’re strong, it’s because they’re weak. So we have to ask, what is this Administration afraid of? They’re afraid of accountability, plain and simple.”
Senator Booker added, “The Trump administration’s blatant disregard for our Constitution is eroding the bedrock values upon which our country is built. Congress must act to stop this Administration’s assault on people and organizations simply because they don’t agree with their point of view. This legislation offers a clear roadmap to protect non-profits, faith groups, media outlets, educational institutions, and others from politically motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government.”
The NOPE Act’s sponsors emphasize that their effort is not about partisanship, but about protecting the rights of all Americans, regardless of political persuasion. As Senator Van Hollen put it, “The Trump Administration is attacking free speech – threatening anyone who dares to speak out against them. This politically motivated weaponization of government clearly defies the First Amendment and demands action from the Congress.”
Representative Houlahan drew a sharp historical analogy, warning against selective respect for constitutional rights. “The Constitution is not a buffet line where you take what you like and ignore the rest. The Constitution is absolute, and it is binding,” she said. “We did not use the tragic murders of Melissa and Mark Hoffman to rip apart the Second Amendment in June, and we cannot use the murder of Charlie Kirk to rip apart the First Amendment in September.”
Beyond reaffirming constitutional principles, the NOPE Act would provide concrete legal tools for those targeted by politically motivated investigations. It would ensure that individuals and organizations have meaningful access to evidence, help cover legal costs, and allow courts to quickly dismiss abusive government actions. The bill also promises to improve transparency and accountability for federal agencies, ensuring that officials who abuse their power to censor or retaliate against critics can be held accountable. For nonprofits, the legislation would guarantee due process if the government attempts to label them as criminal or terrorist organizations.
Representative Frost summed up the mood among the bill’s backers: “The NOPE Act is about strengthening the laws that protect the people from any and all administrations that fear the truth and fear democracy.”
As the NOPE Act heads toward formal introduction in Congress, its supporters are bracing for a fierce debate over the boundaries of executive power, the meaning of free speech, and the future of American democracy. The coming weeks will reveal whether this legislative push can rally bipartisan support—or whether it will become yet another flashpoint in the nation’s ongoing battle over the limits of presidential authority and the rights of dissenters.
