Simon & Schuster decided to pull out from publishing a book named The Tyranny of Big Tech from Hawley following the recent violence in Washington, D.C., where supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building.
Hawley has been criticized for supporting Trump’s baseless claims that widespread fraud cost him the election, facing a severe backlash and calls for him to resign from his post following the scenes of violence last week.
He has vowed to sue the publishing house following its decision.
In the interview on Tucker Carlson Tonight, the pair discussed the situation surrounding this book deal—without mentioning the riot, which Simon & Schuster cited in its statement outlining its decision.
Carlson described Hawley as “one of the most despised people in America,” before asking: “On what grounds did they cancel your book contract?”
Hawley said: “They don’t like the exercise of free speech.”
He referred to Democrats having objected to the certification of results in the past and said him doing so was “the first amendment at work.”
Hawley spoke of the First Amendment being “under attack.” He spoke of the defense of this being something he felt should unite people.
In a statement released last week, Simon & Schuster said: “After witnessing the disturbing, deadly insurrection that took place on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., Simon & Schuster has decided to cancel publication of Senator Josh Hawley’s forthcoming book, THE TYRANNY OF BIG TECH.
“We did not come to this decision lightly.
“As a publisher, it will always be our mission to amplify a variety of voices and viewpoint: at the same time we take seriously our larger public responsibility as citizens, and cannot support Senator Hawley after his role in what became a dangerous threat to our democracy and freedom.”
Hawley has also faced being boycotted by donors and calls for him to be disbarred. Lawmakers have also urged him to resign. The senator had been tipped as a 2024 candidate, but the fallout has seen his odds of becoming president slashed.
Newsweek has contacted Hawley’s office and Simon & Schuster for further comment.
