Introduction

Introduction: Defending Dissent: Safeguarding Speech and Political Opposition

Author: Lisa S. Hoppenjans (Washington University in St. Louis)

Abstract

The beginning of the second Trump administration has been a perilous time for the free speech rights of those engaged in expression disfavored by the administration. A recent report by media policy organization Free Press outlines approximately 200 attempts of censorship in the first 11 months of the second Trump administration. These actions include targeting reporters whose speech Turmp disagrees with, detaining individuals with lawful immigration status in response to their political speech, the pursuit of dubious criminal charges against perceived political opponents, and pressuring law firms who represented clients and causes disfavored by the administration into agreements requiring them to provide pro bono work for causes identified by the administration. This volume, Defending Dissent: Safeguarding Speech and Political Opposition, considers current threats to free speech—both from the federal government and otherwise—and ways to guard against them. to guard against them.

Keywords: #DefendDissent, #FreeSpeechUnderThreat, #FirstAmendment, #LegalClinics, #RuleOfLaw

How to Cite: Hoppenjans, L. S. (2026) “Introduction: Defending Dissent: Safeguarding Speech and Political Opposition”, Washington University Journal of Law and Policy. 80(1).