A federal judge has blocked an investigation by the Trump administration into Media Matters for America, a liberal advocacy group that has criticized Elon Musk’s X social network. The investigation was opened by the Federal Trade Commission last spring and targeted the group for its campaigns against Fox News and X.
The judge, Sparkle L. Sooknanan, ruled in favor of Media Matters, citing evidence that the investigation was an act of retaliation. She granted a preliminary injunction, allowing the group to continue its operations without fear of prosecution.
Media Matters has been critical of Musk’s handling of X, accusing him of promoting hate speech and violent content on his platform. The group has also accused liberal activists of colluding with advertisers to hurt conservative platforms and chill speech.
The ruling is seen as a victory for Media Matters and a significant setback for the Trump administration. The group’s president, Angelo Carusone, called the decision “a symbol of effective resistance” against intimidation from the administration.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/16/media/ftc-trump-media-matters-elon-musk-judge-order