Threats to Truth: The Trump Administration’s Latest Assault on Free Speech

The Center for American Progress (Cap) has faced a $5 billion lawsuit threat from the Trump administration over its report on National Guard deployments in Washington DC, Memphis, and Los Angeles. This move is part of a pattern of behavior aimed at silencing critics and controlling the narrative.

According to Cap’s report, released on July 13th, the $1.7 billion spent on National Guard deployments had no discernible impact on crime rates in these cities. In fact, violent crime began declining before Trump took office in 2025, rendering the deployment inconsequential. The administration’s response was predictable: a thinly veiled attempt to bully Cap into retraction.

Alejandro Brito, one of Trump’s personal lawyers, sent a letter threatening suit unless Cap backed down. However, Cap refused to retract its report, citing its commitment to truth and evidence-based research. Brito’s allegations against Cap are baseless, accusing the organization of manipulating crime statistics for political gain. A closer look at the report reveals that its conclusions are based on meticulous analysis of data.

The real issue here is the administration’s attempt to silence critics and stifle free speech. As Neera Tanden, Cap’s president and CEO, noted, “A lawsuit is a transparent attempt to silence us.” This latest development raises questions about the administration’s motives and the role of think tanks like Cap in holding those in power accountable.

Cap is one of Washington’s leading liberal voices, founded by John Podesta, former Clinton White House chief of staff and chair of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. Its report highlights the administration’s failure to deliver on its promises. This case also echoes a wider trend: the Trump administration’s ongoing assault on truth and evidence-based research.

Whether it’s climate change, healthcare, or social issues, this administration has shown a disturbing willingness to disregard facts in favor of ideology. Cap’s report is just another example of the dangers of politicizing science and data. As we move forward, one thing becomes clear: the Trump administration will stop at nothing to maintain its grip on power. The real question is whether our institutions, including the judiciary, will stand firm against these attacks on free speech and truth.