Skip to content

Does labeling protest ‘domestic terrorism’ weaken national security — and First Amendment protections?

Just who is a “domestic terrorist,” and what is the danger when a protest is labeled “an act of domestic terrorism”? President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has announced a drawdown of troops in Minnesota, where immigration raids swept up many, including U.S. citizens, triggered protests and left two of those citizens dead. But the administration hasn’t ruled out future surges across the country.

In analyzing federal actions in the past and yet to come, Rachel Levinson-Waldman, director of the Liberty and National Security Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, doesn’t deny the presence of domestic terrorists among us. But does the Trump administration’s expansive definition of the term clash with First Amendment rights? And do recent enforcement activities make us more or less safe? Levinson-Waldman explains on this episode of Equal Time. 

Recent Stories

Matt Dunlap wins Democratic primary for battleground Maine seat

Photos of the week | June 12-16, 2026

Sovereign wealth fund tax on AI companies unveiled by Sanders

AI deepfakes bill advanced by Senate Judiciary Committee

At the Races: Artificial interference

Wrapup: Senate hits spy powers snafu