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“Can Officials Block Their Critics on Social Media? High Court Weighs In!

The case of Donald Trump deleting a critic’s tweet has made its way to the Supreme Court, raising the question of whether public officials have the right to block social media accounts. The High Court began hearing a case Wednesday centered around whether or not social media comments directed at public officials constitute protected speech. The case, which has been a closely watched controversy in recent months, has its roots in a 2017 incident involving President Donald Trump and author and outspoken critic, Rebecca Buckwalter. Trump took to Twitter to argue with Buckwalter, who had accused him of violating the Foreign Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Buckwalter attempted to reply to Trump’s tweet, however, her response was quickly blocked as the President had blocked her Twitter account. While President Trump has blocked many social media users, it has been deemed unconstitutional for public officials to block accounts based on their views. The highest court in the United States is now hearing arguments from both sides to determine if public officials may block social media accounts. It is being argued by First Amendment lawyers that Trump blocking a critic’s response is a form of viewpoint discrimination, which is unconstitutional. Texting communications are now firmly entrenched in daily political discourse and denying one’s right to participate in that conversation is an affront to the First Amendment. However, the three Trump administration lawyers argued that the President is allowed to block accounts on his personal Twitter account, stating that the president’s Twitter account is a function of the President rather than a governmental institution. This argument is further bolstered by the fact that Trump’s official account — @realDonaldTrump — is protected. No matter the outcome, the hearing is a fascinating case as the Supreme Court weighs in new territory. Technology has drastically changed how politicians communicate with their constituents and public officials should be held to the same standard as any other citizen. A ruling against the Trump administration would have a wide-ranging impact on social media discourse.