Matt Maddock, a Michigan state representative, posted several statements on his social media account in mid-March 2026 criticizing news organizations and calling for legal action against them.
On March 14, 2026, Maddock shared a brief comment: “This so funny https://t.co/XBoHMIgdQ9”.
Later the same day, he accused certain media outlets of crossing ethical and possibly legal boundaries, writing: “The hostile fake news is reaching a new level that is bordering on treason. Actually they might already be there. https://t.co/omdMkCmbkK”.
In the early hours of March 15, 2026, Maddock escalated his criticism by calling for severe penalties: “Take them off the air and prosecute for treason or sedition. https://t.co/qNH9ONtuu7”.
Maddock has previously made headlines for his public stances against mainstream media and his alignment with efforts to question the legitimacy of established news sources. As a Republican legislator in Michigan’s House of Representatives, Maddock has been known for supporting measures related to election integrity and expressing skepticism toward major press outlets. The use of terms such as “treason” and “sedition” in political rhetoric has historically generated debate regarding freedom of speech protections under the First Amendment and the threshold for prosecuting such offenses in the United States.
