Source: Responsible Statecraft
by Elizabeth Beavers
“In yet another example of Donald Trump announcing new policy via social media, the president has now pledged to crack down on ‘illegal protests’ at universities, warning that ‘agitators’ will be headed to jail or targeted for deportation. … Many may see this and not be very alarmed. After all, peaceful protest isn’t illegal. But what many do not realize is that counterterrorism law gives enormously wide-ranging discretionary authority to the president, to law enforcement, and to immigration officials that could be used to squelch free speech and dissent. For example: providing material support for terrorism is a federal crime. This may seem fair enough on its face. But the breathtaking scope of this provision becomes more clear once we see how the terms are defined.” (03/06/25)