Unfiltered: July 24, 2026 — Treason is Not a Synonym for Criticism


On numerous occasions, President Trump has declared that criticism of his stance on Iran is nothing short of treason. You can find the footage easily; right, left, and center media outlets have all reported it. Contrary to the President’s belief, dissenting views are not exclusive to a “radical left” fantasy.

Let’s look at the actual law. Article III, Section Three of the U.S. Constitution defines treason strictly as levying war against the country or giving aid and comfort to its enemies. It carries a heavy burden of proof and severe penalties under 18 U.S.C. Chapter 115, including death.

Criticizing a politician, or his policies, is not giving aid and comfort to an enemy.

The First Amendment explicitly protects freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. It stops the government from punishing people for expressing their views. For journalism, the Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld absolute protections against prior restraint and government retaliation. Unless a news organization breaches specific laws regarding defamation or extreme national security, criticizing the government is not treasonous. Not by a long shot.

Yet, President Trump continues to demonstrate an incredibly thin skin. Disagreeing with him publicly is met with predictable tantrums. He routinely takes to Truth Social to rip opponents to shreds, weaponizing all-caps yelling, vulgarities, and disgusting personal insults. At every opportunity, he tells reporters that criticizing his foreign policy is treason, relying on dubious sources and repeating verified falsehoods.

I wish someone in Trump’s close orbit could convince him of a basic reality: no matter how loud you shout, and no matter how many times you repeat a lie, it never becomes the truth.

President Trump desperately needs a refresher class on the U.S. Constitution so he can finally comprehend what a “free press” actually means. Gifting him a Webster’s Dictionary and a copy of Emily Post’s Etiquette might be a good start. But given his track record, I harbor serious skepticism about him following any advice that benefits anyone but himself.


Balanced scales, U.S. Constitution book, open legal document, and judge's gavel on a wooden bench in a courtroom
Balanced scales, U.S. Constitution, and gavel displayed in an empty courtroom

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