Applaud the Fight for Free Speech and the First Amendment

Amanda McGonigle, the creator of the satirical Instagram account CatsOnACouch, has filed a lawsuit after she says she was denied entry to a public event featuring Vice President JD Vance because of her online criticism of him.

The First Amendment protects every American's right to speak freely, criticize public officials, and use satire and humor as forms of political expression. Whether someone agrees with that speech or not, government officials should never use their power to punish, silence, or retaliate against peaceful critics.

Political satire has long been an important part of American democracy. From newspapers to cartoons to social media, humor has helped challenge those in power, spark public debate, and remind leaders that they remain accountable to the people they serve.

Public officials are expected to tolerate criticism—not suppress it.

This lawsuit is about protecting the constitutional freedoms that belong to all Americans and ensuring that no one is denied equal access because they exercised their right to free expression.

Add your name to applaud those standing up for the First Amendment, defending free speech, and protecting every American's right to peacefully criticize those in power.