FTC investigates Media Matters for alleged advertiser collusion against Musk's X
- The Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation into Media Matters for allegations of collusion with advertisers against X.
- Elon Musk previously sued Media Matters over claims that the organization misrepresented the user experience on X to undermine its advertising relationships.
- The ongoing investigations could have far-reaching implications for media advocacy and the advertising practices of social media companies.
On May 22, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated an investigation into the advocacy group Media Matters For America, following claims of illegal collusion with advertisers aimed at harming X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. This inquiry has surfaced amid a contentious backdrop, where Musk previously filed a lawsuit against Media Matters in 2023, alleging that the organization attempted to damage X's ties with advertisers. Media Matters has been known for its critiques of conservative media and advocacy for liberal causes, which raised the stakes in this legal battle as both parties accused each other of misleading practices. Media Matters was founded in 2004 and has positioned itself as a significant player in liberal activism, particularly by discrediting conservative narratives and misinformation. The recent scrutiny by the FTC comes at a time when X has been facing backlash regarding content moderation and alleged antisemitic posts linked to its platform, leading to major advertisers, including IBM, Apple, and Disney, ditching the site. Musk's lawsuit against Media Matters accuses the group of deliberately misrepresenting the user experience and manipulating algorithms to showcase inflammatory content alongside ads from large brands, thereby jeopardizing X's advertising revenue. Legal wrangling continues as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has also embarked on a separate investigation into Media Matters for potential fraudulent activities. Additionally, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey launched an inquiry focused on the organization's business practices. The investigations suggest growing concerns among state officials regarding the legality of Media Matters' methods in targeting X's advertising partnerships. The involvement of high-profile figures like Elon Musk, who has strong ties to political figures including Donald Trump, complicates the matter further as it intertwines corporate interests with political affiliations. These unfolding investigations highlight broader themes of tension between social media platforms and advocacy groups, particularly in the polarized climate of American politics. Organizations like Media Matters play a critical role in shaping public discourse by challenging narratives and asserting accountability among media outlets; however, their methods are now under scrutiny as they face allegations that they exert undue influence over corporate advertising strategies. The outcome of these investigations could set significant precedents for how media advocacy, advertising practices, and social media companies interact in the future.