Witness links modern academic rhetoric to calls for structural change in the U.S.

During his testimony, Miguel Gonzalez named scholars and commentators—Mamdani, Daria Lisa and Katie Wilson—and argued that contemporary rhetoric that portrays America as structurally oppressive motivates efforts to change systems rather than individual behaviors. "Somebody told them that we live in a country that is structurally, oppressive," he said, arguing that belief leaves people only the option to change the structure.

Gonzalez contrasted that rhetoric with his own view of American foundations, saying Americans "think we're wealthy and powerful because we're exceptional" and framing his criticism as a disagreement over national narrative. He said his work in journalism and policy informs his perspective and urged cultural institutions to be wary of narratives he said would encourage structural overhaul. The transcript captures the witness's assertions but does not include direct replies from the scholars named or other witnesses.