The Libertarian Party of New Mexico has joined the Democratic Party of New Mexico in issuing a joint statement condemning President Donald Trump for what they describe as escalating attacks on First Amendment rights. Both parties have urged state Republicans to stand with them.
A September 23 joint statement released by the state Democratic Party on social media called on New Mexicans of all political affiliations to hold the Trump administration accountable for what it described as “unprecedented” and “un-American attacks” on press freedom and free speech.
The statement follows several recent controversies involving the Trump administration and First Amendment concerns, including the brief suspension and reinstatement of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after critical remarks he made about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and comments from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi suggesting the administration would pursue criminal penalties for hate speech, a category broadly protected under the First Amendment.
“In America, the president is beholden to the Constitution and the people, not the other way around,” the statement reads. “The Libertarian and Democratic Parties of New Mexico are very alarmed by Donald Trump’s recent attempts to silence criticism and intimidate the press – abhorrent and un-American attacks on our most fundamental freedoms protected by the First Amendment.”
The statement goes on to criticize Trump for allegedly attempting to control media narratives and intimidate journalists, calling such behavior a “pathetic embarrassment” and a failure to uphold the presidential oath. It further urges the Republican Party of New Mexico to issue its own condemnation, praising the handful of Republicans who have pushed back thus far, but stated it was “not enough.”
“Republicans claim to care about the Constitution, so we call on the Republican Party of New Mexico to put partisan differences aside and release a statement condemning the Trump Administration’s attacks on Americans’ fundamental First Amendment rights,” the Democratic Party also wrote upon sharing the statement online.
The statement similarly called on local media outlets to remain committed to accurate coverage “in the face of a hostile presidency, even if that means hurting Trump’s sensitive, infantile feelings.”
Notably, the Libertarian Party of New Mexico, while named in the statement, is not affiliated with the Libertarian National Committee. It is instead aligned with the Liberal Party USA and is considered one of its founding state affiliates. The organization continues to use the Libertarian Party name on social media, though the Liberal Party USA has referred to it as the Liberal Party of New Mexico on its national website in recent months.
Meanwhile, the Free New Mexico Party, which is recognized by the LNC as its official state affiliate, has been involved in ongoing disputes over ballot access and party branding.
According to a December 2024 meeting agenda, the Libertarian Party of New Mexico had initially transferred party properties to the Free New Mexico Party sometime last year, with the latter to discuss how to best use them. However, this past March, campaign director Elizabeth Honce told Independent Political Report that the organization received only the name, which the New Mexico Secretary of State does not permit them to use. She also stated that no records of funds were transferred.
The LNC has been voting on whether to join as a co-plaintiff in the New Mexico ballot access litigation, with members initially largely supporting the move. However, alleged internal friction between several LNC members and the organization’s pro bono legal counsel have led a considerable number of LNC members to change their vote. Voting remains underway.
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