Majority now rates free speech 'bad'

A September 2025 YouGov survey finds 55% of Americans say the state of free speech is bad, versus 27% good—the first time negativity has clearly outweighed positivity in their trend. Evaluations worsened across parties since late 2024, with about half saying Trump has restricted free speech and expecting further weakening. — A measurable, national mood shift on a core civil liberty reshapes how parties message, how agencies assert authority, and how courts and the public weigh speech controversies.