Judge Halts Texas AG's Probe Into Media Matters

[SARose]

BY ANDREW PEREZ
APRIL 12, 2024

A JUDGE ON Friday moved to halt an investigation by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) into the liberal watchdog journalism organization Media Matters, issuing a preliminary injunction in the case.

Calling Media Matters a “radical left-wing” and “anti-free speech organization,” Paxton claimed to be investigating “potential fraudulent activity” by the group under Texas’ Deceptive Trade Practices Act, in response to its reporting about X — the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

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D.C. District Court Judge Amit Mehta granted Media Matters’ request for a preliminary injunction in its case against Texas on Friday. “Plaintiffs’ reporting on matters of public concern are core First Amendment activities,” the judge wrote, asserting that Paxton was pursuing Media Matters with “retaliatory intent” over acts “with no apparent connection to Texas.”

Mehta issued an order blocking Paxton from enforcing his office’s original investigative demands and from issuing any additional demands relating to the investigation he announced in November.

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It’s a good day! Sit on it - you little weasel. 👍👍

[LetMyPeopleVote]

1. This makes me smile

[erronis]

2. I doubt Paxton ever thought he'd have a chance to win. It's all about puffing up his breast and strutting

for his Texas chicken-hawks. All hat, no cattle.

[jaxexpat]

5. .....and boots.

All hat and boots, no cattle. Never yet saw a "rancher/cowboy" wannabe without the very expensive boots, ya know.

[mn9driver]

3. Paxton's corruption on full display.

I hope the State of Texas ends up being on the hook for a few million dollars, payable to TPM, as a result of this crap.

[MagickMuffin]

8. That would be Media Matters according to the article

I wasn’t aware TPM were also involved.

[mn9driver]

9. My mistake. MM could certainly use a huge payout as well.

I hope they file suit and win big.

[catbyte]

4. I hope Paxton gets hit with lawyers fees for MM and court costs.

Fascist fucks. Pardon my French.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. The "anti-free speech organization" is the AG /nt

[NBachers]

7. We know who the real cancel culture-res are.