> But you still can’t have repercussions from the government for your speech in America.

You absolutely can. The obvious example most frequently talked about is that there are plenty of things you can say, which if the wrong person hears them or they trigger automated alarms, it will get you an unfriendly visit by people flashing badges. They might be there to give you a threatening talking-to, or they might be there to arrest you full-stop.

The less obvious example is that even if you don't cross any lines to trigger a direct response like that, it's recorded all the same. It will shape future interactions with law enforcement agencies. You will be flagged as a person of interest, as a hostile actor, etc. Legal speech can very easily make you suspicious and law enforcement will treat you accordingly before they've ever met you. It's not a recipe for a good outcome when the people with badges start off thinking you're likely to pull a gun on them.

At times, it's been far worse than this. I'll direct you to COINTELPRO, or any of the other mryiad of historical instances where the US government has protected its interests by going after domestic elements it sees as subversive.

> On this issue Europe is definitely backsliding

Europe never had free speech to the degree that America did. In many countries, it's unlawful to speak ill of royal figureheads for example.

> for example, see UK police showing up at doorsteps for social media posts

This absolutely happens in America, as I mention above. You might say it's to a different degree, but the end result is the same.

> You can be jailed for years for political speech or wrongthink.

All it takes is for you and your ideology to be labelled as extremist and terrorist, which is a wholly arbitrary line to draw.