Obama Slammed After Suggesting Government Should Police Social Media and Journalism

Former President Barack Obama is facing backlash after a resurfaced clip showed him calling for “new forms of journalism” and government “regulatory constraints” on social media — remarks critics say threaten free speech.

The video, taken from Obama’s appearance at the Connecticut Forum in June, shows the former president discussing how Americans should rethink the way information is shared online. “Part of what we’re going to have to do is start experimenting with new forms of journalism — and how do we use social media in ways that reaffirm facts, separate facts from opinion,” Obama said. “We want diversity of opinion; we don’t want diversity of facts.”

Obama also suggested that government intervention might be needed to limit how social media companies operate. “It will require, I believe, some government regulatory constraints around some of these business models — in a way that’s consistent with the First Amendment — but that also says, ‘Look, there is a difference between these platforms letting all voices be heard versus a business model that elevates the most hateful or dangerous voices,’” he said.

The clip, posted this week by the X account Vigilant Fox, quickly went viral, drawing heated criticism from conservatives and free speech advocates who accused Obama of supporting censorship.

“Obama opposes the First Amendment and wants to jail and fine Americans in an ‘experiment’ with government regulation of journalism,” Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton wrote on X.

Former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn mocked the comments, sharing a poster for an independent media event and writing, “You’re NOT invited.”

Others warned that Obama’s comments revealed a deeper problem. “That he says this seriously, and does not understand the implications and inevitable trajectory of such a concept, should make you ever more vigilant of the left’s authoritarian desires,” wrote John Tillman, CEO of the American Culture Project.

Obama’s remarks come as he prepares to reenter the political spotlight. He’s set to campaign for Democratic governors in New Jersey and Virginia next week — just days before Election Day — with the Democratic National Committee investing another $500,000 to boost voter turnout.