Free Speech Under Fire: Blue Anchor Project Calls Out Trump’s Assault on the First Amendment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2025
Blue Anchor Project Condemns Trump’s Campaign to Silence Late-Night Comedy and the Free Press
Boston, MA — The Blue Anchor Project stands united and unequivocal: the removal and targeting of late-night hosts is an assault on the First Amendment and a dangerous step toward normalizing government censorship of dissenting voices. When powerful officials use political pressure and direct demands to silence critics, democracy itself is at stake.
On July 17th, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was cancelled under direct pressure from the Trump administration. Exactly two months later on September 17th, Jimmy Kimmel Live! met the same fate. Later that evening, Donald Trump escalated further, posting on Truth Social to demand that additional late-night hosts be removed. These actions are not isolated incidents. They are part of a growing pattern of authoritarian playbook tactics where government power is wielded to silence opposition rather than answer it. Blue Anchor Project rejects this.
“Silencing reporters, comedians, and cultural voices because a president does not like their criticism is censorship plain and simple,” said Liam Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Blue Anchor Project. “We will not stand by while anyone, no matter their title, uses the machinery of government to actively violate their oath to the U.S. Constitution and censor citizens simply because they cannot handle criticism or even a joke. That is not leadership, it is cowardice.”
Voices from our supporters reflect the anger and alarm we are hearing across communities:
“The Country I love does not look like the ‘Land of the Free’ anymore.”
“Trump is insane and needs to be removed from the Presidency.”
“We are going in reverse. Trump must go! My daily prayer!!!”
“Stop Trump’s lawlessness.”
Trump is following the autocratic playbook, silencing dissent and censoring anything he does not like because he is a weak, ineffective coward. Our democracy will not be dismantled to protect one man’s ego.
What We Are Calling For
A full congressional investigation into the improper use of federal agencies & officials to intimidate and/or coerce media outlets. While members of the minority have begun inquiries, what is needed now is a complete and bipartisan investigation that includes the majority and delivers real accountability.
Full transparency from the FCC and from media companies that removed programming about the true reasons and communications that led to those decisions.
Media companies to publicly recommit to editorial independence and push back against political coercion.
Civic action: we encourage citizens to contact their members of Congress, to demand accountability, and to support independent journalism.
Blue Anchor Project will continue to organize, educate, and mobilize in defense of free speech and democratic norms. This is not a partisan issue, it is a constitutional one. If those in power will use government tools to silence critics, then it is our duty to stand louder for the rights that protect us all.
For press inquiries, to request an interview, or to join Blue Anchor Project’s mission, contact our Communications Team at contact@blueanchorproject.com