In 1948, America banned propaganda aimed at its own people. In 2012, that protection was stripped away.
It’s time to bring it back – before it’s too late.
Words Are Weapons
Most of us don’t spend our days reading federal laws. We’re busy raising families, working jobs, and trying to keep life on track.
But sometimes a law – or the loss of one – hits so close to home that we can’t afford to ignore it.
The Smith-Mundt Act of 1948 is one of those cases.
Back when it was passed, this law kept the U.S. government from using propaganda on its own citizens.
In other words, Washington could create messaging for foreign countries; but it couldn’t aim that same material at us.
That made sense. Americans wanted freedom, not manipulation.
Fast-forward to 2012. Under President Obama, those protections were rolled back.
Suddenly, the same material created for overseas audiences could be released right here in the U.S.
Many of us didn’t notice at the time – but we’re feeling the effects now.
Government-funded “news” and messaging slip into our feeds, our schools, and even entertainment, often without us realizing where it came from.
That’s a problem. Because propaganda isn’t just about information – it’s about influence.
And when the government has the power to shape the way Americans think, vote, and raise their kids, freedom starts to erode.
Why This Matters Now
Supporters of reinstating Smith-Mundt are suggesting a new name: the Charlie Kirk Act.
Why? Because after Charlie Kirk’s tragic murder, the way the media spun the story – and the way powerful voices cheered it on – showed us just how broken and biased information flow in this country has become.
Even President Trump reposted about the need to bring this protection back.
WOOHOOO!!!THE VIDEO GOT TO PRESIDENT TRUMP!!! He just reposted it!
The beginning of BYE BYE FAKE NEWS!!! WE THE PEOPLE!!!! well done Elly! pic.twitter.com/A76sJhT0HQ
— JULIE DONUTS (@Juliesnark1731) September 13, 2025
Think about it: if the government can create and push its own narratives here at home, how are regular people supposed to know what’s real?
Parents already worry about what their kids are being taught in classrooms and what’s flooding their phones.
The last thing we need is government-produced propaganda disguised as “news” or “education.”
Freedom Isn’t Automatic
Some might say, “So what? Isn’t this just information?”
But here’s the truth – freedom of speech was never meant to include government propaganda aimed at its own people.
The founders built this country on open debate and independent thought, not on Washington deciding what version of the truth we hear.
Bringing back Smith-Mundt isn’t about censorship. It’s about accountability.
If the government wants to talk to the American people, it should do so openly and honestly – not by sliding propaganda into our daily lives.
We don’t need to make this complicated. Busy parents, workers, and voters deserve protection from government spin.
Reinstating Smith-Mundt – or passing the Charlie Kirk Act – would be one powerful step toward restoring trust in what we read, watch, and hear.
Here’s the link to sign the petition:
Enact the Charlie Kirk Act to Restore Media Accountability
America doesn’t belong to politicians or bureaucrats. It belongs to the people. And the people deserve the truth, not propaganda.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
