Substack Says It Will Protect Writers Targeted by Trump’s Government

The Trump administration has, through its attempted deportation of college students vocally critical of Israel, made clear that it does not believe free speech applies to foreign-born residents. Substack, the popular online publishing platform, is aligning itself with free expression. The company announced that it will partner with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) to offer legal support for foreign writers “residing lawfully” in the United States who are targeted by the government for their writing. Substack already offers legal support to writers on its platform through Defender, a program that connects writers who face legal challenges to media lawyers who provide free advice and direction, as well as subsidizing the cost of mounting a defense. Notably, in the company’s announcement with FIRE, it urged writers who are facing government persecution to get in touch “whether or not you publish on Substack.” In addition to Substack’s Defender program, FIRE als ... Read full article.