Rick is joined by Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-CWA, and Matthew Cunningham-Cook, reporter with the Center for Media and Democracy, to examine the Trump administration’s ongoing assault on journalism and the free press. Schleuss highlights the heightened threats facing reporters, the erosion of press freedoms, and the dangers posed to democracy when truth-tellers are targeted. Cunningham-Cook digs into the coordinated efforts to delegitimize journalists, silence watchdogs, and shield power from accountability. Together, they discuss why defending a free and independent press is critical in this moment, and how citizens can push back against this authoritarian trend.

Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org

Find us on:

· DirecTV (Channel 348)

· Dish (Channel 269)

· Sling

· Roku

· Apple TV

· Amazon Fire TV

· Get the FSTV iOS app HERE

Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com

Want Merch? Check out our store HERE

Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com

Rick speaks with Alex Lawson, Executive Director of Social Security Works, about Trump allies exploiting Charlie Kirk’s murder to silence dissent and weaponize grief against perceived enemies. Alex unpacks how this moment reveals the right’s broader strategy to intimidate opposition while avoiding accountability. Later, Pennsylvania State Representative Napoleon Nelson, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, joins to discuss the caucus’s stance on lowering flags in Kirk’s honor. Nelson explains the nuanced position of balancing respect for tragedy with the responsibility to honor shared civic values. Together, these conversations expose the politics behind mourning and manipulation.

Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org

Find us on:

· DirecTV (Channel 348)

· Dish (Channel 269)

· Sling

· Roku

· Apple TV

· Amazon Fire TV

· Get the FSTV iOS app HERE

Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com

Want Merch? Check out our store HERE

Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com

On today’s Rick Smith Show, Rick covers the top stories affecting working people, exposing political and economic challenges in real time. With expert guests and direct, honest analysis, Rick highlights major headlines often neglected by corporate media. The show gives working-class listeners the news and perspective they need to navigate complex issues and fight for their rights.

Don’t miss our daily TV show on Free Speech TV: www.freespeech.org

Find us on:

· DirecTV (Channel 348)

· Dish (Channel 269)

· Sling

· Roku

· Apple TV

· Amazon Fire TV

· Get the FSTV iOS app HERE

Did you miss last night’s show? Miss part of the #RickShow on your local radio station? Want to listen at work, or around the house? Download the podcast on our website at: https://www.thericksmithshow.com

Want Merch? Check out our store HERE

Questions or comments? Email Rick@thericksmithshow.com