Table of Contents

The Worst Free Speech President

Research & Learn

Before he championed democracy abroad, Woodrow Wilson built America's first modern censorship regime, jailing dissenters and crushing opposition in the name of war.

Collage showing Woodrow Wilson in front of newspaper headlines about censorship under his administration.
Collage showing the eyes of President Woodrow Wilson next to the words "Figures of Speech"

WATCH VIDEO: This episode of Figures of Speech explores how fear was used to suppress speech during wartime, and what it reveals about the limits of free expression in moments of national crisis.

Woodrow Wilson: America's worst president for free speech

Presidential Powers

How do you weaponize fear? Ask Woodrow Wilson, one of America’s most controversial presidents on free speech. Wilson’s administration turned dissent into a crime, treated criticism of the government as disloyalty, and punished Americans for challenging foreign policy. Even peaceful protests were not spared. Wilson didn’t just wage war overseas. His administration waged a war at home.

Read More

 

Share