This is not a new thing in American history, and probably predates America's existence: https://prospect.org/article/when-fear-threatens-freedom https://prospec

This is not a new thing in American history, and probably predates America's existence: https://prospect.org/article/when-fear-threatens-freedom https://prospect.org/article/when-fear-threatens-freedom > The pattern of responding to threats by curtailing rights began early in American history. In 1798, when the future of the country was in doubt, Congress passed the Alien and Sedition Act, which made it a crime to falsely criticize the government or government officials—men were sent to prison for speaking ill of certain individuals and decisions.