George Soros-funded activist group Media Matters for America has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), alleging that the agency is conducting a retaliatory investigation influenced by President Donald J. Trump and Elon Musk. The supposed “media watchdog” claims that the FTC is using its authority to “silence and harass” the organization.
In a statement, Angelo Carusone, chairman and president of Media Matters, described the case as a “significant free-speech issue” and vowed not to back down. “If the Trump administration is allowed to use this unlawful investigation to punish legitimate reporting on behalf of a political ally, then there is nothing to stop it from targeting anyone who stands up and exercises their rights,” Carusone claimed.
The FTC has issued Civil Investigative Demand letters, akin to subpoenas, requiring Media Matters and other organizations to provide detailed information about their operations, finances, and communications. Media Matters has asked a federal judge in Washington, D.C., to halt the investigation, claiming it violates the organization’s First Amendment rights.
The group has also alleged that the investigation, along with pressure from the Trump administration, Republican state attorneys, and Elon Musk, has disrupted its fundraising efforts, resulting in layoffs and strained relationships with other advocacy groups. Media Matters contends that some organizations now fear associating with it due to potential retribution.
The FTC declined to comment on the lawsuit, and Musk’s platform X, formerly known as Twitter, did not respond to inquiries. This legal action follows a November 2023 lawsuit by X against Media Matters, in which Musk accused the group of manipulating data to harm the platform’s reputation and chase away major advertisers in a targeted campaign.
Media Matters was founded by David Brock, a longtime ally of Hillary Clinton. Brock also founded the SuperPAC American Bridge 21st Century, which raised $150 million in 2024.
The FTC investigation into Media Matters comes as another Democratic group, the major fundraising platform ActBlue, is also facing legal scrutiny. The organization is alleged to have had lax donation requirements in the past, which could have allowed fraudulent contributions, such as foreign donations, using prepaid credit cards.
In April, President Trump announced that he would crack down on foreign donations in American elections. Attorney General Pam Bondi is examining whether ActBlue had facilitated “dummy” accounts to allow foreign nationals to donate to them and other Democratic entities.
https://thenationalpulse.com/2025/06/24/soros-org-files-lawsuit-against-trump-ftc/
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