Overview

• A federal judge granted a preliminary injunction halting the FTC’s civil investigative demand against Media Matters, finding the probe likely constituted retaliatory action against protected speech.
• Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan cited public remarks by FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson and the timing of the inquiry as evidence of retaliatory animus that could chill journalistic reporting.
• The ruling rejected the agency’s argument that the district court lacked jurisdiction under the FTC Act, affirming that courts can review probes into press-related advocacy.
• Media Matters said the legal battle has forced staff reductions and strained its finances, while its president called the injunction a pivotal victory for free speech.
• The injunction remains in effect pending potential appeals, and related lawsuits by X and blocked state attorney general probes continue across multiple jurisdictions.