The phrase denotes a state of affairs the place the previous President of america, Donald Trump, is perceived to have silenced or tried to silence an American citizen or group. This silencing can take many types, starting from direct verbal reprimands to broader coverage choices seen as suppressing dissent. As an illustration, using social media to straight handle and criticize people, or the general public condemnation of journalists perceived as crucial, might be examples becoming inside this descriptor.
Situations the place a person able of energy seems to stifle free expression are vital as a result of they problem basic democratic rules, particularly the proper to free speech enshrined within the First Modification of the U.S. Structure. Traditionally, debates surrounding limitations on speech have formed authorized and political discourse, notably when the speech in query is crucial of the federal government or its leaders. Perceived makes an attempt to suppress such speech elevate considerations about potential abuses of energy and the chilling impact on public discourse.