A federal judge in Louisiana has issued a groundbreaking ruling that puts limits on the Biden administration’s ability to influence social media companies when it comes to “protected speech.” This ruling, made by U.S. District Court Judge Terry Doughty, who was appointed by former President Donald Trump, is a response to a lawsuit filed by Republican-led states in 2022. The lawsuit alleges that the administration pressured social media platforms to address posts that could impact vaccine hesitancy during the Covid pandemic or influence elections.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, a period perhaps best characterized by widespread doubt and uncertainty, the United States Government seems to have assumed a role similar to an Orwellian ‘Ministry of Truth,'” expressed Judge Doughty in his 155-page opinion.
Although the lawsuit names President Biden and officials from 11 government agencies, it’s important to note that some of the incidents mentioned occurred during the Trump administration.
A spokesperson from the White House stated that the Justice Department is currently reviewing the ruling and considering its next steps. They emphasized that this administration has prioritized responsible actions to safeguard public health, safety, and security in the face of challenges like the deadly pandemic and foreign attacks on our elections. The spokesperson also highlighted the critical responsibility of social media platforms to consider the impact they have on the American people while making independent choices about the information they present.
It’s crucial to understand that this ruling is not the final decision on the lawsuit and can be appealed by the Biden administration to the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
