The Disinformation Industry’s Jig Is Up

On Independence Day, federal Judge Terry Doughty issued a national injunction preventing federal entities from corresponding with social-media firms for “the purpose of urging, encouraging, pressuring or inducing in any manner the removal, deletion, suppression or reduction of content containing protected free speech.”

Doughty’s ruling does make some important exceptions: Government officials and social-media firms are still allowed to share information and exchange recommendations regarding criminal activity and issues that relate to national security. But beyond that, Doughty erred on the side of free expression and a maximalist interpretation of what constitutes governmental coercion.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.

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On Independence Day, federal Judge Terry Doughty issued a national injunction preventing federal entities from corresponding with social-media firms for “the purpose of urging, encouraging, pressuring or inducing in any manner the removal, deletion, suppression or reduction of content containing protected free speech.”

Doughty’s ruling does make some important exceptions: Government officials and social-media firms are still allowed to share information and exchange recommendations regarding criminal activity and issues that relate to national security. But beyond that, Doughty erred on the side of free expression and a maximalist interpretation of what constitutes governmental coercion.

About the Author

Noah Rothman

Noah Rothman is a senior writer at National Review. His third book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence, was published by Hachette in May 2026.