Federal Judge Halts Missouri AG's Investigation Into Media Matters

The court ruled that the probe into Media Matters' reporting on extremist content on X was likely retaliatory and chilled free speech.

Judge Amit Mehta issued a preliminary injunction against Missouri AG Andrew Bailey's civil investigative demand.
The investigation followed Media Matters' report on ads appearing next to extremist content on X, formerly Twitter.
The court found Bailey's actions were politically motivated and intended to deter Media Matters' protected speech.
Bailey's claim that Media Matters used fraud to solicit donations from Missourians was deemed unsubstantiated.
Similar investigative demands by Texas AG Ken Paxton were also blocked by the same judge earlier this year.