Rep. Jamie Raskin, who represents Maryland’s 8th district in the U.S. Congress, addressed concerns about free speech and political discourse in a series of posts on September 3, 2025.
In his first message, Raskin stated, “Free speech isn’t a one-way street painted MAGA red. Federal workers, college students and university researchers, CBS and NBC, students and teachers in public schools all have a right to speak, read and broadcast freely without MAGA censorship and control.” (posted at 17:46 UTC).
Later that day, he criticized Republican priorities regarding international human rights issues: “Rather than uphold free expression & human rights against tyrants in Russia, China, Pakistan & North Korea, the GOP has called a hearing on free speech to attack our democratic allies in Europe! To the world’s dictators & autocrats, have no fear: Trump & House Republicans have” (posted at 18:00 UTC).
Raskin also commented on British politician Nigel Farage’s appearance before Congress: “For a man who fashions himself a free speech martyr, Mr. Farage seems most at home with Putin and the autocrats of the world. In Congress he testified freely, calling the UK an “authoritarian” regime but left before all Members could question him so he could be on his TV show!” (posted at 19:08 UTC).
Jamie Raskin has served as the representative for Maryland’s 8th District since 2017 after succeeding Chris Van Hollen. He previously held office in both chambers of Maryland’s state legislature from 2007 to 2016. Born in Washington D.C. in 1962 and currently residing in Takoma Park, Raskin is an alumnus of Harvard University with both undergraduate and law degrees.
