NewsGuard Sues FTC Over Trump Administration Investigation Threatening Its Media Ratings Business

In a high-stakes legal battle, NewsGuard Technologies—a company that evaluates news outlets for credibility—has sued the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and its chairman, Andrew Ferguson, over an investigation the firm claims is politically motivated. The lawsuit, filed last month in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., alleges that the Trump administration is weaponizing regulatory power to suppress speech it disagrees with, marking the latest clash between the White House and media organizations under the Republican-led government. Since Trump’s return to office in January 2025, his administration has engaged in multiple legal disputes with major news outlets, including The Associated Press, CBS News, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times.

How NewsGuard’s Media Ratings System Works and Why It’s Under Fire

Founded in 2018 by Court TV founder Steven Brill and former Wall Street Journal publisher Gordon Crovitz, NewsGuard assigns credibility ratings to thousands of news outlets based on journalistic standards. The company’s ratings, which range from 0 to 100, assess factors like accuracy, transparency, and adherence to ethical practices. NewsGuard’s services are used by advertisers, ad agencies, and AI companies to determine which news sites are reliable for brand safety and content moderation.

The company’s ratings have drawn criticism from conservative media, particularly after it gave Newsmax—a Trump-friendly network—a score of 20, labeling it ‘unreliable.’ Newsmax has since lobbied Republican lawmakers and regulators to dismantle NewsGuard, accusing it of bias. ‘NewsGuard was started by Steve Brill to target conservative media and get ad agencies to deny them advertising revenue as a means of censorship,’ said Newsmax spokesman Bill Daddi. Brill, however, denies political bias, stating he has not donated to any politicians and has worked as a journalist for decades.

The FTC’s Aggressive Stance Under Trump and Its Impact on Free Speech

The FTC, traditionally a low-profile agency, has become more active under Trump, targeting organizations perceived as hostile to the administration. Chairman Andrew Ferguson has openly stated that his ‘policy priorities are set by the man the people chose to run this government.’ The agency has previously investigated Media Matters for America, a liberal lobbying group, over advertising boycotts, though a federal judge halted the probe, ruling it violated free speech rights.

In its lawsuit, NewsGuard argues that the FTC’s investigation is ‘brazenly using its power to censor speech’ and is part of a broader effort to suppress conservative-leaning outlets. The FTC, however, maintains that its inquiry is part of a broader antitrust investigation into advertiser boycotts. The agency has demanded extensive internal documents, financial records, and subscriber lists from NewsGuard, which the company says is an overreach.

The Broader Implications for Journalism and Regulatory Overreach

The lawsuit raises concerns about regulatory overreach and the erosion of free speech protections in journalism. If the FTC succeeds in targeting NewsGuard, it could set a precedent for future investigations into media organizations based on political disagreements. The case also highlights the growing tension between traditional journalism and the rise of partisan media, where credibility ratings are increasingly used to shape public perception.

‘The whole idea that any speaker has to justify to the government that it’s not biased is a really troubling thought,’ Brill said in an interview. ‘We have a constitutional right to be biased. It just so happens that we started the company on the core principle that we were going to be totally apolitical.’ The FTC, however, has dismissed NewsGuard’s claims as ‘completely meritless’ and continues to pursue the investigation.

Key Takeaways from the NewsGuard vs. FTC Legal Battle

• NewsGuard is suing the FTC over an investigation it claims is politically motivated.
• The Trump administration has engaged in multiple legal disputes with major news outlets since 2025.
• NewsGuard’s credibility ratings have drawn criticism from conservative media, particularly Newsmax.
• The FTC’s investigation raises concerns about regulatory overreach and free speech protections.
• The outcome of the case could set a precedent for future media-related regulatory actions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the NewsGuard Lawsuit