Most Read

Donald Trump

GOP Senator Threw Amy Coney Barrett A Softball Question About The First Amendment—And She Totally Whiffed It

GOP Senator Threw Amy Coney Barrett A Softball Question About The First Amendment—And She Totally Whiffed It
C-SPAN

Since she was nominated by President Donald Trump to replace the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court, Judge Amy Coney Barrett's beliefs and how they impact her interpretation of the law have been under widespread scrutiny.

Those concerned that Barrett would overturn some of the most influential precedents decided by the court had even more reason to fear when a GOP Senator asked her a basic question about the First Amendment.

The First Amendment is one of the most formative components of the United States Constitution regarding individual Americans' rights. It ensures the freedom of the press, the freedom of speech, the freedom of peaceful assembly, the freedom of religion, and the freedom to petition or protest the government without consequences.

Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE) asked Barrett to named the five freedoms enshrined in the First Amendment.

Here's how that went.

Barrett blanked on the freedom to protest the government without consequences until Sasse reminded her.

In context of the ongoing historic uprisings against racist police brutality that captivated the nation this summer, Barrett's omission couldn't be more relevant. The Trump administration gassed peaceful protesters outside of the White House so Trump could take pictures with a bible.

The Trump administration also unleashed unidentified federal officers to a number of cities where protests were occurring. These officers "proactively" arrested protesters who weren't committing a crime and took them—in non-government vehicles—to undisclosed locations.

Given the Trump administration's propensity for suppressing protests, people were disturbed by Barrett's answer.






People pointed out that these five freedoms aren't known only by law experts, but considered common knowledge by everyday Americans.



Others were entertained that it was a Republican Senator who accidentally elicited the botched answer.



Despite this answer, Barrett's confirmation to the Supreme Court is almost certain, given the Republican controlled Senate and White House.