The Justice Department has reached a settlement in a lawsuit alleging that the Biden administration’s State Department suppressed speech by American citizens, including through the now-closed Global Engagement Center, the department announced.
The litigation claimed the prior administration funded and promoted the development of technologies that social media platforms and other private entities could use to downgrade, demonetize and otherwise suppress protected online speech. Plaintiffs alleged the actions violated the First Amendment.
The settlement implements President Trump’s executive order titled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” which states the previous administration “trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms” under the guise of combating misinformation, disinformation and malinformation, according to the Justice Department.
“The weaponization of the Biden Administration against the American people who they disfavored is over,” Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said. “This settlement is righting the historic wrong that they perpetrated against Americans, and today we say ‘never again’ will we tolerate these injustices.”
Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. said the Biden administration muted speech it opposed and that “progressive elites cannot oust conservative viewpoints from the public square.” “These settlements are yet another example of DOJ making good on President Trump’s promise to end weaponization against ordinary Americans, ensuring all of our Nation’s citizens may speak freely,” Woodward said.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Civil Division said the federal government has no business promoting or funding tools to censor domestic media or citizens. “This resolution ensures the unlawful practices at issue will not recur,” Shumate said.
The case, Daily Wire v. Department of State, No. 6:23-cv-609, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, which found good cause for plaintiffs to pursue discovery in support of a preliminary injunction motion after denying the government’s motions to dismiss the case and transfer venue.
The settlement resolves the litigation without the need for further court proceedings, the Justice Department said.
“The Department of Justice will continue vindicating Americans’ right to free speech,” Shumate said.
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