Federal Judge Throws Out Biden Administration’s Attempt to Halt Lawsuit Against Media Censorship

A lawsuit alleging that the State Department unfairly favored left-leaning media outlets over conservative news sites by supporting technologies that blacklist conservative media is progressing after a federal judge denied the Biden administration’s attempt to dismiss the case.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, The Daily Wire, and The Federalist jointly filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration’s State Department in December, claiming that the State Department used its Global Engagement Center (GEC) to fund left-wing media monitoring organizations like NewsGuard and the Global Disinformation Index, resulting in a government-led censorship of the American press.

On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle in Tyler, Texas, ruled that the plaintiffs had standing to challenge the State Department’s actions. Kernodle rejected the administration’s request to dismiss the case, denied a venue change, and ordered expedited discovery.

The lawsuit alleges that the State Department’s actions encouraged social media platforms to deplatform conservative outlets like the Daily Wire and The Federalist, violating a Texas law against viewpoint-based censorship.

NewsGuard, GDI, and other so-called “disinformation” watchdog groups have a history of targeting conservative media outlets under the guise of fighting misinformation.

Attorney Margot Cleveland, representing The Daily Wire and The Federalist, described the ruling as a crucial first step in halting the State Department’s unconstitutional conduct.

While only The Daily Wire and The Federalist are currently involved in the case, the lawsuit highlights the threat to freedom of the press faced by any American outlet reporting disfavored views, including Newsmax.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton hailed the ruling as an important victory against the administration’s attempt to censor and deplatform media outlets disliked by the government.

The lawsuit alleges that the State Department misused taxpayer funds to support censorship technologies and enterprises that limited the reach and viability of domestic news organizations, violating the First Amendment.

The Global Engagement Center, originally founded to counter foreign terrorist propaganda, allegedly redirected its mission to target domestic media outlets, like conservative publications, using taxpayer dollars.

The complaint specifically mentions the actions of NewsGuard and GDI, which have negatively rated conservative outlets while receiving funding and support from the State Department.

NewsGuard has won contests funded by government agencies to combat misinformation but claims to be a for-profit business that sells licenses to access its data.

Critics have raised concerns about NewsGuard’s bias against conservative media outlets and its impact on advertising decisions, effectively demonetizing conservative media.

Congress has taken steps to address concerns about censorship by private entities like NewsGuard by prohibiting government agencies from working with such companies.

The article was written by Marisa Herman, a senior reporter at Newsmax, with over a decade of experience in journalism.