Bookstores Seek ABA Protection Against NSPM-7

A coalition of eight independent bookstores has issued an urgent call to the American Booksellers Association, expressing deep concern over the potential impact of National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 on their operations. The group, led by Firestorm Books in Asheville, North Carolina, argues that the directive, signed by President Donald Trump, creates a risk of criminalizing standard industry activities such as selling literature and hosting community events. According to the letter, the memorandum’s broad definitions could allow for the prosecution of booksellers who are perceived as supporting dissenting political views.

The bookstores, which include locations in cities ranging from New York to Minneapolis, are requesting that the ABA’s advocacy arm, American Booksellers for Free Expression, publicly commit to defending members from such legal actions. They contend that the current administration’s interpretation of domestic terrorism laws blurs the line between political expression and criminal activity, threatening the ability of mainstream and independent retailers alike to curate diverse inventories without fear of government scrutiny.

Precedent Set by Recent Prosecutions

In their appeal, the retailers cite recent legal actions taken by the Trump administration as evidence of the risks they face. Specifically, they reference the prosecution of nine individuals from Texas who were involved in a 2025 protest outside an ICE facility. Among the defendants were Ines and Elizabeth Soto, who were convicted of providing material support for terrorism based on claims that they operated a printing press and ran a book club. Additionally, Daniel Sanchez Estrada was convicted of concealing zines, which prosecutors argued constituted evidence of a crime.

The convictions resulted in severe sentences, with the Soto sisters receiving 50 years in prison and Sanchez Estrada sentenced to 30 years. The bookstores argue that these outcomes demonstrate a troubling trend of conflating literary distribution and free expression with acts of terrorism. They warn that similar charges could be brought against ABA members under the memorandum’s expansive definition of anti-fascist extremism, creating a chilling effect on the industry.

Industry Response to Legal Threats

Beck Nippes, a worker-owner at Firestorm Books, stated that the group drafted the letter to ensure a robust conversation is already underway regarding the conflation of literature with terrorism. The objective is to have a prepared defense strategy in place should any bookseller face arrest under the current policy framework. The coalition emphasizes that the issue extends beyond left-wing shops, asserting that all bookstores must be able to carry a broad range of viewpoints without the threat of legal interference.

The American Booksellers Association has acknowledged receipt of the letter. Ray Daniels, the chief communications officer, confirmed that David Grogan, head of American Booksellers for Free Expression, is scheduled to meet with representatives from the eight bookstores. Daniels noted that during a period of significant challenges to free expression, the organization relies on its members to bring such concerns to their attention, signaling a willingness to engage with the specific legal threats outlined by the retailers.

Watching for Advocacy Outcomes

According to GN geopolitics/terror (en-US), the next steps will likely involve public statements from the ABA regarding their stance on member protection. Stakeholders in the publishing industry are watching closely to see if the association will issue a formal declaration of intent to defend booksellers from prosecution under NSPM-7 or equivalent state and federal directives. The outcome of the upcoming meetings could set a precedent for how the industry navigates the intersection of commercial activity and political speech in the current regulatory environment.