DOJ Settles Lawsuits Challenging Biden Administration's Social Media Coercion
Summary
The Justice Department announced the settlement of lawsuits alleging the Biden administration coerced social media companies to suppress disfavored speech, violating the First Amendment. The settlements implement an executive order aimed at restoring free speech rights and ending federal censorship.
What changed
The Department of Justice has settled litigation challenging the Biden administration's alleged coercion of social media companies to suppress speech, which plaintiffs argued violated the First Amendment. The settlements, including those in Missouri v. Biden and Children’s Health Defense v. Biden, aim to undo alleged abuses of free speech rights, particularly concerning conservative media, and implement an executive order focused on ending federal censorship.
These agreements resolve claims that government actors unlawfully pressured social media platforms to moderate or deplatform content. The Department of Justice emphasizes its commitment to upholding First Amendment rights and ensuring that individuals' ability to engage in constitutionally protected speech online is not infringed by government coercion. Compliance officers should note this settlement as a significant development in the ongoing legal landscape surrounding government interaction with social media platforms and free speech.
What to do next
- Review internal policies regarding government engagement with social media platforms.
- Ensure all government communications with third-party platforms adhere strictly to First Amendment principles.
- Consult legal counsel on updated guidance concerning content moderation and deplatforming requests.
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Justice Department Settles Lawsuits Challenging Biden Administration’s Alleged Social Media Coercion and Deplatforming
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Share For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs The Justice Department this week announced the settlement of litigation alleging that the Biden administration induced social media companies to suppress disfavored speech by American citizens. The lawsuits alleged that inducing social media companies to suppress disfavored speech violated the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
The settlements implement President Trump’s Executive Order, entitled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” acknowledging that “the previous administration trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms, often by exerting substantial coercive pressure on third parties, such as social media companies, to moderate, deplatform, or otherwise suppress speech that the Federal Government did not approve.” 90 Fed. Reg. 8243 (Jan. 28, 2025).
“The Biden administration coerced social media companies to stifle free speech that they disapproved of,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “These Department of Justice settlements are key steps in undoing those abuses of the First Amendment, especially against conservative media. We will never waver on protecting Americans’ right to speak freely.”
“This Department is committed to upholding the First Amendment rights of all Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, of the Civil Division. “No one should have their right to engage in constitutionally protected speech online infringed by unlawful government coercion of social media companies.”
The United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana found that U.S. Government actors likely had caused certain plaintiffs to be deplatformed by major social media companies. Now, the Department’s agreements with plaintiffs avoid the need for continued litigation in these cases. Missouri v. Biden, No. 3:22-cv-1213 (W.D. La.); Children’s Health Defense v. Biden, No. 23-cv-0381 (W.D. La.).
Securing the right of the American people to engage in constitutionally protected speech is a priority of the Department of Justice. Additional information about the Civil Division is available at www.justice.gov/civil.
Updated March 25, 2026 Components Office of the Attorney General Civil Division Press Release Number: 26-287
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