Dear Editor:

In America, freedom of speech has always been one of our most cherished rights. Yet today that freedom is under threat from President Trump and the MAGA movement. Trump’s attacks on the press and his calls to “punish” critics, all point to a dangerous disregard for the First Amendment.

America’s strength has always rested on allowing expressions of different viewpoints. The First Amendment to the U.S. constitution states that "Congress shall make no law... abridging... the freedom of speech, and of the press."

When Trump and his billionaire corporate cronies decide what Americans can say and what they can read, listen to or watch, without regard to the wishes of millions of citizens, America is losing the democracy generations fought to build.

Our democracy cannot survive if we citizens are afraid to speak, write, or protest without fear of retaliation. Yet Trump has openly pledged to weaponize government against opponents, to muzzle the press, and to control what ideas are heard. That is not democratic leadership — it’s authoritarian suppression.

Wendy Ross

Wiscasset