Memphis, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Dan Conaway has resigned from The Daily Memphian following editorial disputes related to his criticism of President Trump and the National Guard’s role in Memphis. After a decade-long career, his decision has ignited discussions about censorship and freedom of speech in journalism. Conaway’s final column expressed deep concerns about civil liberties and the current political landscape, urging unity among Americans. The Daily Memphian defended its editorial practices, emphasizing their commitment to diverse political viewpoints.
Memphis – Columnist Dan Conaway has resigned from The Daily Memphian amid controversy surrounding editorial requests and his critical views on President Donald Trump. Conaway, a lifelong resident of Memphis, had been a columnist for over a decade since 2010 and previously had a successful advertising career, branding notable local entities such as Rendezvous ribs and the Peabody ducks. His resignation has sparked speculation about censorship after his recent column was disrupted by a request from The Daily Memphian’s editors to provide sources and remove specific references.
The Daily Memphian clarified that their request for edits is standard editorial practice; however, Conaway chose to step down rather than comply. In an effort to dispel rumors that they caved to external pressure, the publication published Conaway’s unedited column. This column serves as Conaway’s final piece with The Daily Memphian, and the publication’s editors expressed appreciation for his contributions to the outlet’s launch and branding efforts.
In his last column, Conaway reflected on his father’s perspective regarding priorities in times of conflict while criticizing military operations directed against “the enemy within” in U.S. cities. He particularly condemned the National Guard’s recent deployment in Memphis, labeling the city an “official battlefield.” Conaway also viewed this military presence as a distraction from larger societal issues and characterized the unarmed guards as a smokescreen for more aggressive law enforcement actions led by federal agencies like ICE and the FBI.
Concerned about the implications of the current administration’s focus on perceived political enemies, Conaway raised alarms over potential threats to democratic values and systems, citing dangers to civil liberties, due process, and constitutional rights. He called for unity, reminding readers that harmful actions by the president can affect all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. His column concluded with a sense of urgency about the state of democracy in the U.S., reflecting both personal and collective concerns for the community of Memphis.
The Daily Memphian has previously published columns critical of Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in Memphis, demonstrating their commitment to diverse viewpoints. Conaway’s departure marks the end of an era, closing the chapter on over a decade of his influence in local journalism through his writing and advocacy for civil consciousness.
Key Facts About Dan Conaway
- Conaway has been a columnist since 2010.
- He has branded well-known local businesses, including Rendezvous ribs and the Peabody ducks.
- Two collections of his columns have been published.
- His final column characterized Memphis as an “official battlefield” following the National Guard’s deployment.
The Daily Memphian’s Stand
- The request for edits was rooted in standard editorial practices.
- The publication released Conaway’s unedited column to address censorship concerns.
- They emphasized their history of providing diverse political viewpoints.
Conaway’s Column Insight
- Conaway criticized the portrayal of military deployment in U.S. cities.
- He highlighted potential threats to civil liberties under the current administration.
FAQs
Who is Dan Conaway?
Dan Conaway is a columnist who has been writing for The Daily Memphian since 2010. He has a successful advertising career and has branded notable local entities.
What led to Conaway’s resignation?
Conaway resigned in response to editorial requests from The Daily Memphian for citations and to remove specific references in his column, which he perceived as censorship.
What was the main theme of Conaway’s final column?
The main theme highlighted concerns about the deployment of the National Guard in Memphis, portraying the city as an “official battlefield” and voicing worries about threats to democratic values under the Trump administration.
Key Features of Dan Conaway’s Resignation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Career Summary | Conaway has a rich background in advertising and has been a columnist since 2010. |
| Resignation Reason | Resigned due to editorial requests he perceived as censorship. |
| Final Column Theme | Critique of National Guard deployment and concerns for civil liberties. |
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Additional Resources
- The Daily Memphian: Dan Conaway Resignation
- Wikipedia: Dan Conaway
- The Daily Memphian: Memphis Crime Rate
- Google Search: Dan Conaway
- The Daily Memphian: Dan Conaway Opinion Piece
- Google Scholar: Dan Conaway
- The Daily Memphian: Big Beautiful Bill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dan Conaway
- The Daily Memphian: This Is Who Your City Looks Like
- Google News: Dan Conaway Memphis
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