Sen. Rand Paul on Thursday accused YouTube of censoring his speech from the Senate floor last week about the impeachment trial — a speech in which he mentioned a name some believe to be the whistleblower who ignited the investigation into President Trump.
Mr. Paul called it “chilling and disturbing” for the media giant to pull down his video.
He pointed out that while he mentioned names and connections, he never identified anyone as being the whistleblower. He said he doesn’t actually know the whistleblower’s name.
“Now, even protected speech, such as that of a senator on the Senate floor, can be blocked from getting to the American people. This is dangerous and politically biased,” he said.
“Apparently, YouTube has taken it upon itself to decide what questions can even be asked in the public debate, including on the Senate floor,” the Kentucky Republican added.
YouTube defended its move, saying that’s its policy.
“Videos, comments, and other forms of content that mention the leaked whistleblower’s name violate YouTube’s Community Guidelines and will be removed from YouTube,” said Ivy Choi, a spokesperson. “We enforce our policies consistently without regard to political leaning and have removed hundreds of videos and over ten thousand comments that contained the name.”
The spokesperson did not say how YouTube knew the name of the whistleblower.
‘Diddy’ makes 3rd bail attempt after prosecutors allege he blackmailed victims from behind bars
Trump’s team still hasn’t signed transition of power agreements, White House says
Incumbent Iowa Republican says Dem House opponent ‘wasting taxpayer money’ with recount
President-elect Trump announces new choice for attorney general and more top headlines
Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett Screams Anti-White Rant During Hearing
Russia’s Chilling Trade for North Korean Troops Revealed, South Korea Warns
PA Education Department agrees to cancel requirement for teachers to adopt guidelines deemed ‘woke’
Should women serve in combat? Military experts weigh in
Colorado dentist’s murder trial put on hold after defense ‘suddenly quit’ prior to jury selection
How 80-year-old crosswording juror caused a mistrial in Florida Home depot murder case
Matt Gaetz is out as attorney general, not clear if he can return to House next year
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston says Trump’s mass migrant deportations will create ‘Tiananmen Square moment’
Trump’s Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth ‘will get confirmed’ despite sexual assault allegations
Tren de Aragua Gangster Accused of Robbing One of Alvin Bragg’s Assistant DAs
Arrest made in New York City tourist face slashing after mom reports son to police
That has been one of the thornier issues in the debate. No official source has confirmed the name, so organizations such as YouTube are generally operating off of a belief — effectively lending more credence to the notion that the whistleblower is the person whose name appears in the video.
YouTube isn’t the only one to refuse to accommodate Mr. Paul in his determination to use the name.
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., who presided over the impeachment trial of President Trump in the Senate, refused to read a question Mr. Paul wanted to ask. He apparently thought the question trod too closely to the identity of the whistleblower.
Mr. Paul did get his say later, during time allotted for senators to speak, when he read out the question he’d wanted to ask had he been allowed by the chief justice.
The whistleblower’s complaint last summer launched the impeachment of Mr. Trump.
Articles containing the accusation are part of the Congressional Record, and Mr. Paul’s speech is also still part of that permanent record.
Story cited here.
