Trump threatens to veto defense bill over tech liability shield

President Trump on Tuesday night threatened to veto a defense bill if it does not include the repeal of a legal shield for internet companies, throwing down the latest gauntlet in a fight over a piece of must-pass legislation.

Trump’s warning took aim at Section 230, which gives tech companies protections for third-party content posted on their platforms and allows them to make "good faith" efforts to moderate content. The president and other Republicans have claimed that social media firms use the law to unfairly censor conservatives.

“Section 230, which is a liability shielding gift from the U.S. to “Big Tech” (the only companies in America that have it - corporate welfare!), is a serious threat to our National Security & Election Integrity. Our Country can never be safe & secure if we allow it to stand,” Trump tweeted.

“Therefore, if the very dangerous & unfair Section 230 is not completely terminated as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), I will be forced to unequivocally VETO the Bill when sent to the very beautiful Resolute desk. Take back America NOW. Thank you!”

The veto threat will raise further questions about the future of the NDAA. Trump had already threatened to veto the bill over a provision mandating the Pentagon remove Confederate names from military bases and other property.

The House and Senate versions of the bill both contain the provisions, though the House bill requires the change within a year and the Senate bill mandates Confederate names be stripped within three years. The provisions received bipartisan support following nationwide protests over systemic racism following the police shootings of unarmed Black Americans.