The most massive attack against free speech in United States history

Judge Terry Doughty

4 Jul 2023

A United States federal judge has blocked officials in the Joe Biden administration from contacting social media companies about content moderation.

In a court filing, Judge Terry Doughty issued the injunction in response to a lawsuit brought by Republican attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri. 

They allege that the government went too far in its efforts to influence social media platforms.

Doughty wrote that the government’s attempt to limit claims related to the COVID-19 pandemic “arguably involves the most massive attack against free speech in United States history”.

Republican Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri, called the decision “a huge win for the First Amendment and a blow to censorship”. 

He accused the Biden administration of creating “a vast censorship enterprise” and “colluding” with media firms.