Former President Donald Trump proposes major changes to combat censorship and protect presidential power during a Wisconsin rally.
At a Glance
- Trump proposed modifying the 25th Amendment to prevent alleged misuse for political motives
- He promised an executive order to bar federal employees from engaging in domestic censorship
- The announcements were made at a campaign rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin, a key battleground state
- Trump criticized the Biden administration and social media companies for alleged censorship
Trump’s Anti-Censorship Executive Order
At a recent rally in Mosinee, Wisconsin, former President Donald Trump unveiled plans for an executive order aimed at combating what he perceives as widespread censorship by social media and tech companies. The proposed order would prohibit federal employees from participating in domestic censorship activities, a move Trump claims is necessary to protect free speech in the digital space.
Trump pledged to “fire every federal bureaucrat who is engaged in domestic censorship” under the current administration, emphasizing his commitment to safeguarding First Amendment rights.
Proposed 25th Amendment Reforms
In addition to his anti-censorship stance, Trump called for significant changes to the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The current amendment establishes the presidential line of succession and mechanisms for temporarily removing presidential powers. Trump’s proposed modification aims to prevent what he sees as potential misuse of the amendment for political purposes.
25th AMENDMENT: Former President Donald Trump wants to make it possible to remove a vice president of the U.S. for lies or engaging in a conspiracy to cover up the incapacity of the president by modifying the 25th Amendment.
https://t.co/3XnRMX2spS— Action News Now (@ActionNewsNow) September 7, 2024
“I will support modifying the 25th Amendment to make clear that if a vice president lies or engages in a conspiracy to cover up the incapacity of the president of the United States — if you do that with a coverup of the president of the United States — it’s grounds for impeachment immediately and removal from office, ’cause that’s what they did,” Trump stated.
Wisconsin Rally and Campaign Themes
The rally in Mosinee, a rural community of approximately 4,500 residents, highlighted Wisconsin’s importance as one of seven battleground states that could determine the outcome of the upcoming presidential election. Trump won Marathon County, where Mosinee is located, by 16 percentage points in both the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Throughout the event, Trump reiterated his campaign themes of anti-censorship and protecting free speech. He criticized the Biden administration and social media companies for alleged censorship practices, promising to take action if re-elected. The former president also touched on other key issues, including his legal troubles and plans to review cases of what he considers political prisoners.
Trump wants 25th Amendment changed to impeach vice presidents who engage in cover-ups https://t.co/zy3XpS51Fw
— POLITICO (@politico) September 7, 2024
Criticism and Controversy
Trump’s proposals and statements at the rally have not been without controversy. Capitol Police officers, including former Sgt. Harry Dunn, have criticized Trump for his plans to pardon individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot. Dunn expressed concern about the potential impact on law enforcement and public safety.
As the 2024 presidential race heats up, Trump’s proposals for an anti-censorship executive order and 25th Amendment reforms are likely to remain central to his campaign platform. These initiatives reflect his ongoing criticisms of media bias and concerns about protecting the balance of power within the federal government. However, implementing such changes would face significant hurdles, including the need for a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of state Legislatures for any constitutional amendment.
Sources:
- Trump calls for modifying 25th Amendment to make it possible to remove a vice president
- Trump Proposes Anti-Censorship Order, Change to 25th Amendment at Wisconsin Rally
- Trump to support change to Constitution’s 25th Amendment, pledges to pardon convicted Jan. 6 rioters
- Executive Order on Preventing Online Censorship
- Could the 25th Amendment Be Trump’s Downfall? Here’s How It Works
- Trump and Section 230: What to Know
- How Trump learned to embrace the executive order, which he once called an ‘easy way out’