Demand Progress

Oppose Ted Cruz’s bill to criminalize protests!

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    Oppose Ted Cruz’s bill to criminalize protests!

    Petition to Congress:
    We urge you to oppose the Stop FUNDERs Act because it aims to criminalize dissent and take away our First Amendment rights.

    Ted Cruz and Trump’s MAGA loyalists in Congress are pushing a bill Cruz says would criminalize organizations that support protests against Trump, like the recent No Kings rallies.1

    Trump and Stephen Miller are mobilizing the Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, and FBI to target organizations and people opposing their authoritarian takeover.2 Cruz’s bill, endorsed by Kash Patel, would help the Trump admin round up political opponents and prosecute them.3

    This dangerous bill (the “Stop FUNDERs Act”) is a threat to anyone who shows up to protests or even expresses a dissenting opinion. Congress must stop this unconstitutional attack on the First Amendment and prevent MAGA officials from criminalizing protest.

    Sign the petition: Stop Ted Cruz’s bill to criminalize protest and dissent. Protect our First Amendment rights now!

    Trump has already demanded that Pam Bondi use the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to prosecute his political opponents, and Cruz’s bill would give Congressional approval for this attack on free speech.4

    “By branding protest as a criminal activity, this bill threatens to intimidate people from engaging in peaceful, lawful advocacy and puts everyday Americans at risk of being dragged into sprawling investigations,” said Americans Against Government Censorship.5

    In response to Cruz’s bill and Trump’s attacks, journalist Mehdi Hassan said, “They want to ban protests. They want to kill the First Amendment.”6

    Trump’s DOJ lackeys have secured indictments against Letitia James and James Comey. His admin is charging protesters as terrorists. Congress must stand up to Trump’s authoritarianism, and oppose legislation that allows the White House to weaponize law enforcement against the people.

    Sign the petition: Oppose Cruz’s dangerous “Stop FUNDERs Act.”

    Sources:

    1. Common Dreams, "Ted Cruz Says His Bill Will Allow DOJ to ‘Prosecute’ Those Who Fund No Kings Protests, Which Have Been Overwhelmingly Peaceful,” October 16, 2025.
    2. Reuters, "Trump’s war on the left: Inside the plan to investigate liberal groups,” October 9, 2025.
    3. People For, "Heritage Action Cites ‘Marxist Occupation of Our Streets’ to Support Cruz Bill Targeting Progressives,” October 27, 2025.
    4. Ibid.
    5. Ibid.
    6. Common Dreams, "Ted Cruz Says His Bill Will Allow DOJ to ‘Prosecute’ Those Who Fund No Kings Protests, Which Have Been Overwhelmingly Peaceful,” October 16, 2025.
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