A federal judge temporarily blocked the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) investigation into Media Matters for America on Friday, arguing the agency is likely in violation of the progressive media watchdog’s free speech rights.

U.S. District Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan, an appointee of former President Biden, ordered a preliminary injunction against the investigation, which was opened in May.

“It should alarm all Americans when the Government retaliates against individuals or organizations for engaging in constitutionally protected public debate. And that alarm should ring even louder when the Government retaliates against those engaged in newsgathering and reporting,” Sooknanan said in the 48-page ruling. “This case presents a straightforward First Amendment violation.”

The FTC opened th

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