Political witch hunts and blacklists: Donald Trump and the new era of McCarthyism

Photo: During Bitter Clash — Sen. McCarthy, center, confers with Roy Cohn, chief counsel for House Un-American Activities Committee, during questioning of William Taylor. McCarthy indicated he may seek contempt citation against Taylor. At right is G. David Schine. August 23, 1953. Photo credit: Los Angeles Times via UCLA Library Digital Collections / Wikimedia. CC BY 4.0. (no modifications). Article by Shannon Brincat, Frank Mols and Gail Crimmins. The Conversation – September 18, 2025.

A modern-day political inquisition is unfolding in “digital town squares” across the United States. The slain far-right activist Charlie Kirk has become a focal point for a coordinated campaign of silencing critics that chillingly echoes one of the darkest chapters in American history. Individuals who have publicly criticised Kirk or made perceived insensitive comments regarding his death are being threatened, fired or doxed. […]

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