Florida judge sides with Trump Media in Brazilian censorship case
A legal battle between Trump Media & Technology Group and a Brazilian Supreme Court justice takes an unprecedented turn in the American judicial system.
According to Fox News, U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven ruled that Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) and Rumble are not required to comply with Brazilian Justice Alexandre de Moraes's censorship directives, marking what the companies call a "complete victory for free speech."
The ruling stems from TMTG and Rumble's joint pursuit of a temporary restraining order against Justice Moraes, who they accused of attempting to illegally censor American companies operating primarily on U.S. soil. Their legal challenge highlighted concerns about foreign judicial interference in American digital platforms and free speech rights.
Brazilian justice order lacks enforcement power
Judge Scriven's decision effectively neutralized Moraes's attempts to regulate content on American social media platforms.
The ruling emphasized that the Brazilian justice's pronouncements and directives were not properly served through established international protocols, including the Hague Convention and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between the United States and Brazil.
TMTG and Rumble's legal team successfully argued that activities considered "spreading misinformation" and "criticizing the Supreme Court" in Brazil remain protected forms of speech under U.S. law. This distinction became crucial in determining the jurisdiction and enforcement capabilities of foreign judicial orders on American soil.
The case originated when Moraes ordered Rumble to block an account belonging to what court documents referred to as "Political Dissident A" or face a complete shutdown of its services in Brazil. This directive particularly concerned Truth Social, which relies on Rumble's technology infrastructure.
Legal implications for international content moderation
The Florida judge's ruling sets a significant precedent for how foreign judicial orders affecting American tech companies should be handled.
Scriven maintained that the court stands ready to exercise its jurisdiction if any entity attempts to enforce these directives within the United States without proper legal compliance.
Rumble spokesperson Tim Murtaugh expressed the company's stance on the ruling. He emphasized how the decision validates their initial position regarding the limits of foreign judicial authority over American companies:
Justice Alexandre de Moraes's censorship orders have no legal force in the United States. This ruling is a complete victory for free speech, digital sovereignty, and the right of American companies to operate without foreign judicial interference.
The legal team representing Rumble, including attorneys Martin De Luca and Matthew Schwartz, clarified the ruling's practical implications.
They explained that while the temporary restraining order was deemed unnecessary, this was precisely because Moraes's orders were found invalid and unenforceable within U.S. jurisdiction.
Digital sovereignty protection measures
The case highlights growing tensions between national sovereignty and global content moderation efforts. American companies operating internationally increasingly face challenges from foreign governments attempting to regulate online speech according to their local standards.
The victory for TMTG and Rumble sets a clear distinction between domestic and international authority over content moderation. The ruling affirms that foreign governments must use established international legal procedures if they want to impose their laws on U.S.-based platforms.
This decision is especially significant for Truth Social, as it safeguards its operations from potential disruptions tied to Rumble's technology infrastructure.
By upholding U.S. free speech standards, the ruling allows both platforms to function without the threat of foreign interference.
Resolution brings clarity to international conflict
TMTG and Rumble's legal victory against Brazilian Justice Alexandre de Moraes's censorship attempts marks a significant development in international digital rights law. The U.S. District Court's ruling effectively shields American social media platforms from direct foreign judicial interference without proper legal protocols.
The case outcome reinforces the importance of following established international legal frameworks when attempting to regulate content across borders. It demonstrates how American courts will protect domestic companies' operations from unauthorized foreign intervention while maintaining proper channels for legitimate international legal cooperation.



