Judge Halts Texas AG Ken Paxton's Investigation into Media Matters

The decision underscores the protection of free speech and journalistic integrity against politically motivated legal actions.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled against Texas AG Ken Paxton, blocking his investigation into Media Matters for America (MMFA) over alleged First Amendment violations.
The court found that Paxton's civil investigative demand (CID) chilled MMFA's speech, affecting their reporting and editorial decisions.
Paxton's actions were deemed as having a retaliatory intent against MMFA's coverage of X (formerly Twitter), which included exposing ads next to extremist content.
The ruling highlighted the jurisdictional authority of the DC court over Paxton, who had attempted to challenge it.
Media Matters celebrated the ruling as a victory for free speech, emphasizing the chilling effect Paxton's investigation had on journalistic practices.