Overview

• Attorney General Pam Bondi clarified that her vow to target 'hate speech' refers to threats of violence, calling such conduct a crime and citing federal statutes in a post on X.
• The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and prominent conservatives, including National Review editors and Erick Erickson, argued there is no First Amendment exception for hate speech and condemned her initial remarks.
• Some figures on the right, including Matt Walsh and Turning Point USA contributors, urged Bondi’s removal, noting Charlie Kirk had publicly defended broad speech protections.
• Bondi also suggested possible action against an Office Depot employee who refused to print Kirk memorial materials, drawing further criticism from conservatives who cited case law on compelled services.
• The administration signaled a wider push against left-leaning groups it links to political violence, as President Trump endorsed aggressive rhetoric and the alleged shooter of Kirk, Tyler Robinson, remains in custody with formal charges pending and motive under investigation.