Berenson v Biden a huge win for free speech

Thursday, May 14, 2026

en I went to bed last Thursday night," Alex Berenson told me, "I was sure we didn't have a deal. The government offered money, but they weren't willing to admit what they had done. And I wasn't going to agree to a settlement without that acknowledgment. But the next morning," he added, "my lawyer texted me with the news that they had agreed to the language. So we made the deal."

If you don't know what Berenson is talking about, well, you can hardly be blamed. The mainstream media has studiously ignored Berenson v. Biden, even though it has enormous implications for the First Amendment. That "language" that Berenson insisted upon"and that the government finally agreed to include in the settlement?

Posted by BellRinger at 12:14 PM | 76 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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I had to dig deep down into the article to even figure out what it was on about. A lot of wonkish and procedurial stuff - that probably was a bigger factor in it not being widely covered by the "mainstream media" than some implied conspiracy to try to suppress it.

Is this really a huge win for free speech? Do you think it will actually stop the government or corporations from overreaching and abusing their powers against individuals and smaller businesses?

Ha.

#1 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-14 12:28 PM | Reply

Isn't it funny how Free Speech always means Nazi Speech.

#2 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-14 12:31 PM | Reply

" Is this really a huge win for free speech? Do you think it will actually stop the government or corporations from overreaching and abusing their powers against individuals and smaller businesses?"

I do think is serves as a brake because this has forced accountability.

#3 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-14 12:32 PM | Reply

#2. Berenson is a Nazi? In your world Platner ISN'T a Nazi.

#4 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-14 12:32 PM | Reply

What's the actual speech that won out?

#5 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-14 12:36 PM | Reply

Jesus, Jeff is stupid.

There is a literal entire page on FactCheck.org about Alex Berenson being debunked since he's a fake doctor: www.factcheck.org

He got banned by Twitter for giving fake, bad medical advice during COVID. That's NOT protected speech under the First Amendment.

Biden: "Fake doctors can't give medical advice."
Jeff: "Boo! That's free speech!"
Trump: "You said true but bad things about me. Kiss your TV license goodbye!"
Jeff: "Yay! That's my President!"

#6 | Posted by Sycophant at 2026-05-14 12:37 PM | Reply

#6. Yet he just won in court. It's amazing how foolish you look when you hurl insults in the same post where you are not only not on topic but are wrong too.

#7 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-14 12:46 PM | Reply

If winning in court is the barometer then explain why Comey and James won against trump. Why Comey will win again over the 8647 lawfare.

#8 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-05-14 12:50 PM | Reply

While you're at it tell me who lost in court 59 times over the 2020 election.

You only care about "winning in court" when you agree with the outcome, partisan man.

#9 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-05-14 12:51 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Also explain how E Jean Carrol won in court, and what that means.

#10 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-05-14 12:53 PM | Reply

" While you're at it tell me who lost in court 59 times over the 2020 election"

That would be Donald Trump. He lost because the cases he brought were beyond weak and I always supported the outcome of 5hose cases.

It's funny to me how often lefties on this site assign positions to me that I've never taken.

#11 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-14 12:54 PM | Reply

"Yet he just won in court."

Trump's DOJ. It's like Kim or Vlad claiming they got 99.9% of the vote.

"It's amazing how foolish you look"

Says the guy who advocates for NO limits, even from mal-information that might kill you.

Tell us, Bellringer: if you were President, how many deaths from overdosing on ivermectin would it take before you intervened?

And will the fact the "You Can't Overdose On Ivermectin!" guy died from an overdose of ivermectin have any effect on your decision?

#12 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-05-14 12:54 PM | Reply

E Jean Carrol won a civil suit against Trump. I've never once criticized the outcome of that lawsuit.

Any more questions?

#13 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-14 12:55 PM | Reply

SInce you dodged I will answer the question.

It means Trump is an adjudicated rapist that defamed E Jean Carrol by lying about her.

You voted for that, champ.

#14 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-05-14 12:56 PM | Reply

I wouldn't be shocked if Trump did sexually assault a minor decades ago.

#73 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-04-01 12:27 AM | Reply | Flag:

Yet you voted for him. That says a lot about you.

#15 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-05-14 12:59 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

More fake 1A bulls*&^.

Berenson was a tool who spread misinformation that was particularly bad. F*&^ him and f&^* you for acting like this is a good thing.

Oh, and "big win"? LOL this DoJ settled because it's run by incompetent s*&^piles that push conspiracy theory nonsense like this topic.

#16 | Posted by jpw at 2026-05-14 01:02 PM | Reply

" Yet you voted for him. That says a lot about you.

#15 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE AT 2026-05-14 12:59 PM | FLAG: "

My other choice was Kamala Harris. Enough said.

#17 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-14 01:26 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

What did Kamala do that's worse than raping kids?

#18 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-14 01:27 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

My other choice was Kamala Harris. Enough said.

#17 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-14 01:26 PM | Reply

WOW I'm speechless.

#19 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2026-05-14 01:41 PM | Reply

My other choice was Kamala Harris. Enough said.

#17 | Posted by BellRinger

You were an idiot for thinking she would be worse than Trump.

You're an even bigger idiot for still thinking she would be worse than Trump.

#20 | Posted by jpw at 2026-05-14 01:56 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

She absolutely would have been worse.

#21 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-14 02:12 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

What did Kamala do that's worse than raping kids?

#18 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-14 01:27 PM | Reply

Be a democrat.

#22 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-05-14 02:16 PM | Reply

She absolutely would have been worse.

#21 | Posted by BellRinger

You are absolutely f*&^ing terarded.

Irredeemably so.

#23 | Posted by jpw at 2026-05-14 02:18 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

She absolutely would have been worse.

#21 | Posted by BellRinger

You are lying to yourself and us. Trump has turned out to be everything we thought he would be and more. Kamala would have been held in check by a GOP congress whereas Trump is completely unrestrained. Nobody takes you seriously here.

#24 | Posted by justagirl_idaho at 2026-05-14 02:19 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 5

She absolutely would have been worse.
#21 | POSTED BY BULLBRINGER

Please. Elaborate.

I'm dying for you to be more than a one line troll bot.

Can you actually engage in discussion?

Trump has been manipulating tariffs for personal gain.

Gave Musk access to every American's private personal information.

Has accepted bribes from numerous foreign nations.

Has stolen billions of dollars from the US taxpayer.

Has attacked American cities with his private Gestapo.

Is openly attacking several other countries, including Venezuela, Cuba, Iran, Nigeria ...

Has admitted several times he doesn't care about the American public.

And that's literally just off the top of my head.

What's the worst? Harris would've done?

Here's your chance to prove you're more than just a stupid troll.

#25 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 02:19 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

What did Kamala do that's worse than raping kids?
#18 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-14 01:27 PM | Reply
Be a democrat.

Posted by Alexandrite

And a black woman, but maybe black mattered less than woman when you recall Hillary.

#26 | Posted by justagirl_idaho at 2026-05-14 02:21 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Thanks to Trump

The value of the dollar has declined.

Everything in America is more expensive.

China is stronger than it ever was

Russia is stronger than it ever was

Iran is stronger than it ever was

What would Harris have done that would've been worse?

Come on BullBringer.

Show us your ability to think.

I mean, there is more to your statement than just, Harris would've been worse, right?

Why aren't you just crying the other day that nobody takes you seriously and engages you in discussion?

Here's your chance to engage in discussion.

Put your money where your mouth is and tell us how Harris would've been worse than Trump

#27 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 02:23 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Good luck, clownshack. The guy has no substance.

#28 | Posted by Alexandrite at 2026-05-14 02:26 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

BullBringer seems to be proud of voting for a pedophile over a black woman.

Racism? Misogyny?

Maybe BullBringer voted for Trump because he's also a pedophile.

We will never know.

#29 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 02:27 PM | Reply

Here's your chance to prove you're more than just a stupid troll.

I'm a borderline Hall of Fame troll, Alexandrite. I easily elicit multiple responses with a single post. And it doesn't take any effort.
#27 | Posted by BellRinger at 2025-04-06 05:42 PM

#30 | Posted by lee_the_agent at 2026-05-14 02:30 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

Good luck, clownshack. The guy has no substance.
#28 | POSTED BY ALEXANDRITE

Agreed.

It happens when trying to defend the indefensible.

All Trumpers can do is throw out vague statements like, "Harris would've been worse!"

To alleviate the fact that they voted for the man who is literally destroying America domestically, internationally and financially.

I wonder how many Trump phones bullbring ordered.

#31 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 02:32 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

#30 | POSTED BY LEE_THE_AGENT

Thanks for the reminder, Lee.

#32 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 02:33 PM | Reply

She absolutely would have been worse.
#21 | Posted by BellRinger

For example, A vote for Kamala is a vote for War with Iran.

In 2024, Stephen Miller and Tulsi Gabbard promoted this narrative, with Miller asserting "Kamala = WWIII. Trump = Peace" and Gabbard claiming a vote for Harris was a vote for "Dick Cheney and war, war, and more war." --AI

#33 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-14 02:34 PM | Reply

I5 is my opinion that Harris would have been absolutely horrible. For me, Trump has been hit and miss. Lately, more miss than hit.

#34 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-14 02:41 PM | Reply

"I5 is my opinion that Harris would have been absolutely horrible. "

Wow. You must really be feeling bad about Trump, to backpedal so furiously.

#35 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-14 02:42 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

Harris would have been absolutely horrible.
#34 | POSTED BY BULLBRINGER

You said that already.

What you haven't said is anything to quantify your opinion.

Because you can't.

#36 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 02:47 PM | Reply

"I5 is my opinion that Harris would have been absolutely horrible." #34 | Posted by BellRinger

An opinion with no reasoning or basis in reality is worth less that the sh** on the bottom of your shoe.

#37 | Posted by justagirl_idaho at 2026-05-14 02:47 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

" What you haven't said is anything to quantify your opinion. "

There is a reason why she had to suspend her 2020 campaign before the first primary was heels. There is a reason why she resoundingly lost to a terrible candidate in Trump.

She was and remains awful. She had over $1 Billion to spend on her campaign. She had 4 times as much money as Trump and she STILL lost soundly.

#38 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-14 02:57 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

#38 | Posted by BellRinger

Those arent reasons Jeff. It is nice of you to run up the numbers on several threads lately though...

#39 | Posted by justagirl_idaho at 2026-05-14 03:00 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"She had 4 times as much money as Trump"

LOL!
Did she have Twitter too?

#40 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-14 03:07 PM | Reply

She had 4 times as much money as Trump

1) In which reality did Harris ever have more money then Trump?

2) You're avoiding explain what Harris could have done while president that would have been worse than the reality we're living in now.

3) You're trolling and everyone knows it.

#41 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 03:13 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

There is a reason why she resoundingly lost

It was hardly a resounding loss.

You're not a serious person.

#42 | Posted by jpw at 2026-05-14 03:17 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

It appears Jeff can't defend his article.

Nor can he explain why Harris would be worse.

Nothing has changed when it comes to Jeff.

#43 | Posted by Sycophant at 2026-05-14 03:18 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"And a black woman"

It's funny how Asians don't even exist on many Americans' radars, at least consciously. Kamala's more Asian than Black. Her first name is literally of Asian origin, while her last name is European.

#44 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-14 03:35 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

They're not calling her black because of her father's Jamaican ancestry.

They're calling her black because most white folks would cross the street if they saw her approaching from a distance.

Black isn't her nationality. It's her skin color.

This is America.

Don't overthink it.

#45 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 03:39 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

It's funny how Asians don't even exist on many Americans' radars, at least consciously.
#44 | Posted by sentinel

Nikki Haley, welcome to the Drudge Retort.
Congratulations, Nikki. You Built That!

#46 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-14 03:45 PM | Reply

"It was hardly a resounding loss."

She received even fewer electoral votes than Clinton did eight years earlier. So yeah, it was a pretty clear, unmistakable defeat.

People who voted for Trump in 2020 or 2024 have to rationalize why they voted for an F-grade candidate over a C or D grade candidate.

#47 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-14 03:50 PM | Reply

I thought Berenson was a family of bears.

#48 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-14 03:53 PM | Reply

I thought Berenson was a family of bears.

Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-14 03:53 PM | Reply

That would be Bernstein Bears.

#49 | Posted by LauraMohr at 2026-05-14 04:22 PM | Reply

Ballwasher the MAGAT ----.

#50 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-05-14 04:22 PM | Reply

" That would be Bernstein Bears."

Nope. That's the Mandela Effect playing tricks on you.

#51 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-14 08:35 PM | Reply

" They're calling her black because most white folks would cross the street if they saw her approaching from a distance."

What are you basing that on? It seems like you're reimagining her as a stereotypical poor black person, rather than the way she actually looks and dresses.

" Black isn't her nationality. It's her skin color."

Asian isn't a nationality either, smartass. She presents with more Asian-American and European-American traits then African-American ones. By any metric, she's less black than Obama.

" This is America.

Don't overthink it"

I bet you probably think that's a nationality too.

I'm not overthinking it. You're being anti-intellectual.

#52 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-14 08:53 PM | Reply

Meanwhile in the UK

> man stabs 18-year-old college student
> stabber says victim was racist
> UK police arrest victim for racial abuse
> victim bleeds to death in handcuffs

#53 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-05-14 09:09 PM | Reply

Isn't it funny how Free Speech always means Nazi Speech.
#2 | POSTED BY SNOOFY

And "Nai speech" is however Snoofy defines it!

#54 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-05-14 09:11 PM | Reply

That's the Mandela Effect playing tricks on you.

#51 | POSTED BY SENTINEL

More likely old age. Neither one of you were even close!

It's Berenstain.

But its not entirely your fault ... the "Berenstein" spelling have been found in references to and knockoffs of official merchandise[93] and publications,[94] and cartoons for the series used an ambiguous pronunciation which may contribute to the false memory.[95]

According to wiki. And I had to look it up too. Because I remembered I didn't remember it right either!

#55 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-05-14 09:16 PM | Reply

" It's Berenstain"

Yes, but they had a son, so there is a Berenson connection.

Bernstein is even further off the mark than Berenstein.

#56 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-14 09:27 PM | Reply

By any metric, she's less black than Obama.

Not if you look at them both from three yards away.

That's 2.74 meters for you Asians out there.

Don't want you to think here at the DR we're insensitive.

RCade chose the color for the DR based on your skin tone.

Konnichiwa!

#57 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 11:37 PM | Reply

Meanwhile in the UK

No one cares.

#58 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 11:38 PM | Reply

No one cares.

Only because it's completely irrelevant.

#59 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-05-14 11:43 PM | Reply

Agreed.

#60 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-05-14 11:47 PM | Reply

"based on your skin tone."

That's the only thing you see when looking at people, apparently.

#61 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-15 09:30 AM | Reply

It's refreshing that the racists have moved beyond their tired old lie "I don't see color."

#62 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-15 09:34 AM | Reply

So yeah, it was a pretty clear, unmistakable defeat.

Never denied it was a defeat. It just wasn't a resounding defeat.

People who voted for Trump in 2020 or 2024 have to rationalize why they voted for an F-grade candidate over a C or D grade candidate.

#47 | Posted by sentinel

They never will. If, IF, we survive this dumpster fire, it'll be even worse than when suddenly no one voted for W in the late 2000s. And the idiots who fell for Trump and dragged the rest of us into this hell will think they should have a seat at the table and that their opinions should be taken seriously or that they should even have a right to express them.

Anyone who voted for this should just STFU and let people who aren't complete idiots figure out the solution.

#63 | Posted by jpw at 2026-05-15 10:00 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

People who voted for Trump in 2020 or 2024 have to rationalize why they voted for an F-grade candidate over a C or D grade candidate.
#47 | Posted by sentinel

Have you tried asking them why? The rationalizations are synonymous with their world view. "America First" doesn't mean putting a brown woman in charge.

#64 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-15 10:04 AM | Reply

I think it's cute people think PEDO DONNIE actually won in 2024.
And that Hillary was brown.

#65 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-05-15 10:50 AM | Reply

" It was hardly a resounding loss."

312-226. To me, that's resounding.

#66 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-15 11:45 AM | Reply

Land resounds louder than voters, when you're a Republican.

#67 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-05-15 11:46 AM | Reply

312-226. To me, that's resounding.

#66 | Posted by BellRinger

2024: 1.5% difference in popular vote.
2020: 4.5% difference in popular vote.

Kids, this is what happens when you drop out of school in the 4th grade.

#68 | Posted by Sycophant at 2026-05-15 12:17 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

" 2024: 1.5% difference in popular vote.
2020: 4.5% difference in popular vote.

Kids, this is what happens when you drop out of school in the 4th grade.

#68 | POSTED BY SYCOPHANT AT 2026-05-15 12:17 PM | FLAG: "

Elections are decided by electoral vote, not popular vote.

Kids, this is what happens when a grown man remains willfully ignorant of civics.

#69 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-15 12:34 PM | Reply

312-226. To me, that's resounding.

#66 | Posted by BellRinger

Intellectually honest people look at the bigger picture and give more weight to the popular vote as a metric of how liked/disliked a candidate is.

You only like the EC because it inflates the relevancy of your s*&^ worldview.

Elections are decided by electoral vote, not popular vote.
Kids, this is what happens when a grown man remains willfully ignorant of civics.

#69 | Posted by BellRinger

STFU idiot. Nobody is ignorant of the EC, we're just not intellectual lightweight s*&^bags who think Trump was and is a good choice.

#70 | Posted by jpw at 2026-05-15 12:51 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

I didn't say he was a good choice, ----------. He wasn't. I said Harris was God-awful and was an even worse choice.

#71 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-05-15 01:51 PM | Reply

#71 bell boi actually claims, "...Harris was God-awful and was an even worse choice."

What was the average price per gallon of gasoline on January 19, 2025?

What is the average price per gallon of gasoline today?

Your POV, even with 20/20 hindsight, makes you seem small and insignificant, bell boi.

#72 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-15 01:55 PM | Reply

-People who voted for Trump in 2020 or 2024 have to rationalize why they voted for an F-grade candidate over a C or D grade candidate.

I disagree. They should have to rationalize why they did it............but they don't actually have to.

Perhaps that's what you meant.

-Anyone who voted for this should just STFU and let people who aren't complete idiots figure out the solution.

They don't have to do that either. I'm sure you know that.

#73 | Posted by eberly at 2026-05-15 01:58 PM | Reply

#69 bell boi says, "Elections are decided by electoral vote, not popular vote."

Here's a dime, buy a clue:

The Electoral College does NOT reflect the will of the people.

Kids, this is what happens when a little boi remains willfully ignorant of civics.

#74 | Posted by A_Friend at 2026-05-15 01:59 PM | Reply

"I disagree. They should have to rationalize why they did it............but they don't actually have to."

They have to rationalize it to themselves, at least. Like pretending that Biden or Harris were worse.

#75 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-15 03:52 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"Intellectually honest people look at the bigger picture and give more weight to the popular vote as a metric of how liked/disliked a candidate is."

Intellectually honest people who are pragmatic will give at least as much weight to how capable a candidate is at winning elections. If you're ignoring a candidate's ability to pull in a majority in 30 states, accounting for almost 60% of the electoral vote, then you're living in lala land.

As I've said, I never voted for him and never would.

#76 | Posted by sentinel at 2026-05-15 04:37 PM | Reply