Overview

• President Trump issued the 'Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship' executive order on his first day in office, targeting federal involvement in online speech moderation.
• The order directs all federal agencies to cease using resources to engage in or facilitate actions that unconstitutionally restrict free speech on social media platforms.
• It mandates an investigation, led by the Attorney General, into past federal government actions that may have violated free speech rights, with recommendations for corrective measures.
• The executive order emphasizes that combating misinformation cannot justify infringing on First Amendment rights, while allowing law enforcement to address illegal content like threats, terrorism, and child exploitation.
• Critics argue the order could hinder government coordination with platforms on national security and public safety issues, while supporters see it as a critical step to protect free expression.