, Columnist
Twitter Shield Needs Fresh Look, Not Trump Spite
A new executive order targets enemies instead of taking thoughtful aim at a dated immunity law that’s been challenged by Democrats and Republicans.
Not so thoughtful.
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President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting social-media companies raises tough questions about presidential power, presidential bullying and freedom of speech. To understand it, we need to start with what’s clear, and then explore what’s not.
An executive order is not a law. It doesn’t bind the private sector. It doesn’t require Twitter or YouTube to do anything at all. Many executive orders are orders from the president to his subordinates, directing them to do things. That’s what this one is.