Mike Benz, a former Trump administration State Department official and founder of the Foundation for Freedom Online (FFO), recently posted a highly inflammatory statement on social media, advocating for a brutal public execution. In a tweet, Benz called for a "firing squad" and suggested a killer's "guts open so wide, make his death so humiliating, that no one will want their guts opened next," aiming to deter future acts. The tweet, which included a link, quickly drew attention for its extreme rhetoric.
Benz, who served in the U.S. State Department during the first Trump term focusing on cybersecurity and internet policy, established the FFO as a right-of-center online watchdog group. The organization states its mission is to restore a "free and open Internet" and combat what Benz describes as the "censorship industrial complex" and government overreach in online discourse. He has gained prominence in conservative circles for his critiques of tech companies and government influence on social media.
The FFO's work often involves publishing reports and analyses on digital liberties, with Benz frequently appearing on conservative media platforms to discuss perceived threats to free speech. Despite his organization's stated commitment to free expression, Benz has faced controversies, including past allegations of being an "alt-right content creator" under a pseudonym, which he has claimed was part of a "deradicalization project." His public statements frequently employ strong language regarding issues of censorship and government actions.
The recent tweet, however, represents a stark escalation in the intensity of his public commentary, moving from criticism of policy to direct advocacy for extreme violence. Such rhetoric from a public figure and head of an advocacy organization raises questions about the boundaries of free speech and the potential impact of inflammatory statements on public discourse. Benz's past has seen him make claims about USAID being a front for intelligence activities and influencing foreign elections, resonating with figures like Elon Musk.