Joined by Members of Congress, Union Leaders, Veteran, and Industry Workers to Defend the Constitution & First Amendment
HOLLYWOOD, CA — Yesterday, September 22, 2025, U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30) led local members of Congress, Union leaders, a veteran, and Industry workers at a rally in her district outside the Kimmel studios in Hollywood to defend free speech, the Constitution, and the First Amendment.
A recording of the rally can be found here.
Friedman and local Members of Congress emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and free speech. She noted that the First Amendment was written to safeguard dissent and ensure that no administration could use government power to silence critics. By pressuring networks and threatening licenses, the Trump administration is blatantly and illegally intimidating outlets. Friedman also stressed that protecting free speech is not a partisan issue, but a responsibility that belongs to all Americans.
“Free speech isn’t optional. It is the very foundation of our democracy,” said Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA-30). “The First Amendment was written first for a reason: because dissent against the government is not only protected, it is the point. Donald Trump does not get to silence dissent or cancel the Constitution to protect his ego. This fight is about preserving the principles that have sustained our democracy for nearly 250 years.”
“I was proud to join Rep. Friedman and members of the California Delegation today to condemn Donald Trump’s authoritarian attacks on free speech. Trump demanded that Jimmy Kimmel be taken off the air, his FCC Chair threatened networks, and a major network caved while seeking approval for a $6 billion merger. When the President of the United States gets to decide what information the American people are allowed to see, that is censorship and authoritarianism, not democracy. Trump’s abuse of federal power to silence his critics is a direct attack on the First Amendment, and we won’t stand for it,” said Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28)
“It’s time to put our foot down against the Trump Administration’s unmistakable breach of the First Amendment,” said Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-31). “Free speech is a cornerstone of our democracy and we cannot remain complicit while Trump degrades the Constitution. In the United States of America, regardless who is in the White House, we do not silence voices of dissent. I will never give up on protecting our First Amendment and the freedom of speech.”
The Trump Administration’s Attacks on Free Speech:
- Trump: “Maybe their licenses should be taken away.”
- FCC Chair Brendan Carr: “Take action on Kimmel, or there’s going to be additional work for the FCC.”
What Others Have Said about Recent Attacks Free Speech:
- U.S. Supreme Court, NRA v. Vullo (2023): “Government officials cannot attempt to coerce private parties in order to punish or suppress views that the government disfavors.”
- Senator Ted Cruz: Called the FCC’s actions “incredibly dangerous” and said Carr “sounded like a mafia boss.”
Friedman was joined by Representatives Brad Sherman, Judy Chu, Ted Lieu, Nanette Barragán, and Gil Cisneros, Writers Guild of America President Meredith Stiehm, American Federation of Musicians Local 47 President Stephanie O’Keefe, Directors Guild of America National Executive Director Russell Hollander, IATSE’s Thom Davis, and SAG member and veteran Shannon Corbeil.
Below: Friedman speaking at her rally defending free speech..