Nationwide — Candace Owens, an African American commentator known as a strong Trump supporter, recently voiced concern over the Trump administration’s actions toward free speech. In a viral TikTok video, she criticized the government’s pressure on Harvard University, calling the move a dangerous step against the First Amendment.
Her comments refer to a lawsuit filed by Harvard after the Trump administration threatened to freeze billions in federal funding. The administration accused Harvard of not doing enough to address antisemitism on campus. In response, the university claims the government is unlawfully using funding as leverage to control academic decisions and silence institutions.
Owens urged her followers to support Harvard in its legal battle, saying the issue extends beyond politics and affects the core of American rights. She warned that if the administration succeeds, it could lead to broader censorship across the country. “We cannot allow our rights to be infringed upon,” she said.
She also called out Trump’s former ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, for suggesting that she and Tucker Carlson should face prison for their views. Owens described the idea of jailing people for their opinions as “insane” and a clear sign that the U.S. is moving in a dangerous direction.
This public stance marks a shift in Owens’ long-standing support for Trump. She believes his current circle of advisers is steering him toward policies that undermine free speech. “It’s not what we signed up for,” she said.