J.D. Vance’s Free Speech Remarks About Trump Spark Online Backlash
Sarah L. Voisin / The Washington Post via Getty Images file
During a rally in Aston, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance made a surprising statement about President-elect Donald Trump that quickly became the target of online criticism. Vance assured supporters that Trump would “never” silence Americans for disagreeing with him, sparking widespread mockery and scrutiny across social media.
Vance’s comment, intended to highlight Trump as a champion of free speech, drew cheers from the crowd. “You know something Donald Trump will never do?” Vance declared. “Donald Trump will never go out there and say that his fellow citizens should be censored or silenced for disagreeing with them.” Critics, however, were quick to point out the discrepancy between Vance’s statement and Trump’s often combative relationship with the media.
One X (formerly Twitter) user quipped, “Does this guy think we don’t have the internet?” as others began pointing out Trump’s past remarks against media outlets. Another commentator highlighted Trump’s recent public statements, writing, “That’s just crazy. He just today said Fox News should be stopped. Last month he wanted to strip CBS of their license to broadcast.”
Another added, “Yeah, sure he would never do that. No, he is going to use the National Guard and even the military to arrest and shut them up. Trump said himself about the ‘enemy from within.’ He made it very clear he wasn’t going to take criticism of any kind” as reported by The Associated Press.
Despite the backlash, some supporters defended Vance’s statement. One user wrote, “Trump is on the right side of history for what our country needs now!” Another urged people to listen to Trump and Vance’s recent appearance on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, stating, “I wish more people would listen to both of you… instead of seeing how the media portrays @realDonaldTrump.”
Trump’s turbulent relationship with the media has been well-documented, with him frequently labeling journalists and news outlets as “fake news” and “the enemy of the people.” In just the past month, Trump filed a Federal Election Commission complaint against The Washington Post, sued CBS for $10 million over an interview featuring his opponent Kamala Harris, and called for ABC’s broadcast license to be revoked, alleging unfair coverage.
These actions have reinforced Trump’s adversarial stance toward media organizations, with frequent calls for investigations or penalties against outlets that criticize him. The Committee to Protect Journalists has previously warned that Trump’s rhetoric “encourages hostility toward journalists” and “undermines fundamental principles of free expression.” Nevertheless, Vance, one of Trump’s staunch supporters, has continued to defend Trump’s unfiltered rhetoric, describing it as “from the heart” and part of what makes him relatable to his base, according to The New Republic.
As Trump prepares to re-enter the Oval Office, his complex relationship with the press and freedom of speech remains a topic of fierce debate. Vance’s statement, while intended to bolster Trump’s image, highlights the ongoing divide over how Trump’s rhetoric and actions impact free expression and public discourse.
