Ever since Donald Trump arrived on the national political scene in 2015, he has displayed a perplexing and troubling attitude toward freedom of speech. At one moment he tries to sell himself as a vigorous advocate for freedom of expression. At another, when someone says something that he does not like or threatens his political interests, Trump will not only denounce the speaker but will call for drastic measures to curtail the offending speech. We were reminded of that again last week by his fury at CBS News for its interview with his opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. That fury was first expressed in ways that respect the boundaries and traditions of free expression in the country. But that didn’t last long before Trump called for the punishment of the major broadcaster.

That crackdown would not just damage the press, it would undermine the very fiber and fabric of this country.

Perhaps this should not be surprising from someone as notoriously thin-skinned as Donald Trump. He is like the boxer who can throw a punch but can’t take one. Trump cannot abide any slight or deviation from Trumpian orthodoxy.

Of course, what the former president does not understand is that the protection of free expression is most needed when speech is unpopular, offensive, or heretical. Or maybe he does understand, but prefers a speech environment compatible with his authoritarian style of leadership and his excessive need for flattery and approval.

Either way, Americans cannot count on Donald Trump to protect or respect freedom of expression when it most needs protection and respect. Let’s consider Trump’s effort to convince us that he will.

Related

In 2016, during his first campaign for the presidency, Trump said he would put protecting free speech near the top of his agenda. In October of that year at a rally in Ohio, he asked his audience “Do you want free speech?” and responded to their enthusiastic applause, “You’ll have it.”

The 2016 Republican platform that Trump helped fashion contained a........

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