Media Matters for America, a left-wing activist group partially funded by George Soros, has filed a lawsuit against the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), accusing the agency of conducting a retaliatory investigation driven by President Trump and Elon Musk.
In its complaint, Media Matters claims the FTC is abusing its authority to “silence and harass” the organization in response to its reporting. Angelo Carusone, the group’s chairman and president, framed the case as a major First Amendment battle. “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 said in a statement.
The FTC has issued Civil Investigative Demand letters—similar to subpoenas—seeking extensive records from Media Matters, including details on its finances, operations, and internal communications. The group has asked a federal judge in Washington, D.C., to block the investigation, arguing that it violates constitutional protections.
Media Matters claims the probe, along with outside pressure from the Trump administration, Republican state attorneys general, and Musk, has already damaged its fundraising and advocacy work. The organization said the investigation has led to layoffs and caused other activist groups to distance themselves out of fear of political retaliation.
The lawsuit follows a separate legal battle with Musk’s company, X, which sued Media Matters in November 2023. That case accuses the group of manipulating data in an effort to drive away advertisers and harm the social media platform.
