Denounce Conservative Attacks on Media Matters

Media Matters, one of the most effective watchdogs monitoring right-wing disinformation, is under coordinated attack by conservative politicians and Elon Musk. These attacks are designed to punish Media Matters for exposing hate speech, extremism, and lies — and to intimidate other journalists who dare to do the same.

The Trump-aligned Federal Trade Commission has launched a sweeping investigation, demanding internal documents and communications. This comes after Media Matters revealed how major brand ads were appearing next to white nationalist content on Musk’s platform X, triggering multiple lawsuits and public threats of retaliation.

Even though courts have blocked similar efforts in Texas and Missouri, the pressure campaign continues — draining resources, chilling speech, and setting a dangerous precedent for silencing dissent. Media Matters has pushed back with its own legal action, but the chilling effect is real.

This is bigger than one organization. If they can silence Media Matters, they can silence any outlet that holds the powerful accountable. We must stand up now to defend press freedom and reject authoritarian tactics designed to suppress truth.