The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has launched an investigation into Media Matters for America, a progressive media watchdog group, over claims that it may have worked with other organizations to push advertisers to leave Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter).
According to Reuters, the FTC has issued a civil investigative demand—similar to a subpoena—requesting documents that include communications related to an ongoing lawsuit filed by Musk. That lawsuit followed a Media Matters report which suggested that ads from major brands were appearing next to extremist content on X. The report sparked backlash, prompting companies like Apple and Disney to pause their advertising on the platform.
Musk responded by suing Media Matters, accusing the group of deliberately manipulating X’s algorithms to generate misleading results. The FTC’s inquiry now seeks to determine whether Media Matters coordinated with groups like the Global Alliance for Responsible Media in what could be considered a targeted campaign to influence corporate advertising decisions.
This federal probe adds to a string of legal challenges Media Matters is facing, including lawsuits in Texas and Missouri—though courts have previously ruled in the group’s favor, citing First Amendment protections.
As reported by the Washington Post, Media Matters President Angelo Carusone has sharply criticized the investigation, calling it an abuse of government power and alleging political motivation. These concerns have intensified following President Trump’s recent dismissal of two Democratic commissioners from the FTC, leaving the agency under full Republican control.
For a broader overview, Axios notes that this investigation marks an escalation in ongoing conflicts between conservative political figures and liberal advocacy groups—particularly in the high-stakes arena of digital advertising and media accountability.
Edition : Midtown Tribune , TV503.com