In a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Indiana Lieutenant Governor-elect Micah Beckwith lashed out at the Indiana Daily Student (IDS), the student-run newspaper at Indiana University, labeling its coverage of President-elect Donald Trump as “elitist leftist propaganda.” The IDS’s November 7 front page included quotes from former allies of Trump, accompanied by a photo illustration, which Beckwith condemned as hostile toward Trump. His response, threatening to “stop it for them” if such coverage continues, has ignited concerns over freedom of the press and whether Indiana’s next lieutenant governor fully appreciates the limits of his influence.
This incident is symptomatic of a larger pattern of behavior from Beckwith, a self-proclaimed “Christian nationalist,” who often treats governance more as a platform for grievance airing than for public service. As lieutenant governor-elect, Beckwith would do well to remember that his role requires a level of decorum, maturity, and respect for the constitutional freedoms he is sworn to uphold. Threatening a university newspaper and, by extension, Indiana University, which he accuses of “indoctrination,” falls short of the professionalism expected of someone in his position.
Indiana voters selected U.S. Senator Mike Braun and Beckwith as governor and lieutenant governor on November 5, signaling a clear preference for conservative leadership. But conservatism has long been grounded in respect for foundational American values, including free expression and an independent press, whether that be the New York Times or a college newspaper. Even though Beckwith has raised valid concerns about ideological bias on campuses, his combative rhetoric and threats only undermine those points. Rather than promoting constructive dialogue, Beckwith’s post stokes divisiveness and risks alienating the very voters he’s been elected to serve.
Moreover, Beckwith’s comments about monitoring Indiana University’s curriculum echo a degree of state overreach that Republicans historically oppose. The irony is clear: the same conservatives who often rail against “Big Government” seem increasingly inclined to weaponize government power against institutions they dislike. A university is a place for intellectual exploration, debate, and, yes, disagreement. If Beckwith genuinely wishes to foster a campus culture where conservative students feel comfortable expressing their views, he should focus on supporting initiatives that promote open dialogue rather than threatening punitive action.
In his post, Beckwith asserted that “woke propaganda” dominates higher education and characterized IU as a “waste of money.” However, his failure to distinguish between legitimate criticism and threats reveals a troubling misunderstanding of his role. The IDS, though independent from IU’s administration, serves as a voice for students and reflects the diversity of opinions found on any university campus. Its editorial independence is not something to be “corrected” by politicians; it is a bedrock principle of American democracy.
The IDS operates out of Franklin Hall, an IU property, and pays taxes to the university. While IU does provide budgetary support to sustain IDS’s operations, the newspaper is editorially independent. It relies on revenue generated through advertising and events, rather than state funds. Beckwith’s implication that his future administration could somehow exert control over IDS because it operates within IU’s system misrepresents the facts and suggests a troubling willingness to intervene in areas where the government has no business.
Even if Beckwith finds certain viewpoints objectionable, it is not the government’s role to police speech — especially not that of students. If Beckwith wants to inspire change, he should lead by example, showing that even in disagreement, there is room for mutual respect.