Right-Wing Influencers Have Flooded Minneapolis -- WIRED

[ancianita]

3. If it's called "news coverage," probably not. WE know it's paid PR for DHS, and probably covered by 1A.

The First Amendment provides broad protection for speech that could be characterized as propaganda, particularly when it originates from private citizens or groups. The government cannot suppress speech simply because it is unpopular, offensive, or contains false information. Even false statements made in the context of public debate are largely protected, provided they do not fall into specific, narrow exceptions like defamation, fraud, or false advertising.

Exceptions and Limitations

Incitement: Speech intended and likely to incite "imminent lawless action".
True Threats: Statements where the speaker communicates a serious intent to commit unlawful violence.
Defamation: False statements of fact that harm a person's reputation, subject to high standards of proof for public figures.
Fraud and False Advertising: The government can regulate speech integral to illegal conduct or deceptive commercial practices.

The "government speech doctrine" means that the First Amendment does not apply to the government's own speech, allowing it to disseminate its own messages and information to promote its missions and accomplishments without violating the First Amendment rights of citizens who may disagree.

And so we sane folk turn to watchdogs like WIRED to name names of those who promote RW propaganda for their base on social media and the rest.

The Guardian is also keeping tabs on blue state resistance and lawsuits re ICE.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2026/jan/12/donald-trump-ice-minnesota-fed-jerome-powell-iran-cuba-venezuela-greenland-us-politics-live-news-updates