Interview: Rep. Jody Hice on “Defund the Police” and Big Tech Censorship

“But there is no question that we’ve got some major issues, and free speech is so dependent these days on these big tech companies, so they have to be very careful that free speech is protected. And, of course, there’s a pattern now that shows otherwise…”

On July 21st, Merion West editor Erich Prince was joined by Rep. Jody Hice, a Republican who represents Georgia’s 10th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. (Rep. Hice has also joined Merion West for previous discussions in 2018 and 2019.) In this conversation, Mr. Prince and Rep. Hice discuss recent unrest in the country, including the “Defund the Police” movement, which has gained particular inroads recently in cities such as New York and Minneapolis. Rep. Hice then also weighs in on recent concerns about free speech, including allegations that various technology companies have an anti-conservative bias.

Good morning, Congressman. Nice to talk to you again and thanks so much for your time. I want to start off by quickly saying that I understand the President was in Atlanta last week—and that you had the chance to fly with him on Air Force One. How was that experience?

Great experience—it’s always wonderful to be with the president, but to be on Air Force One is just icing on the cake to be with him in that environment—just an amazing experience all the way around.

I saw a video you posted on Twitter showing your constituents the conference room [on board], and you shared with them a message about getting involved in politics.