Politics

US backs Elon Musk's court challenge against €120 million European Union fine

The Justice Department applied to support X's legal bid to overturn penalties imposed over blue checkmark transparency rules.

Updated Sep 25, 2026 · 16:48 UTC2 reports

The short version

The US Department of Justice filed an application to support Elon Musk and X in their challenge to annul a €120 million ($137 million) European Union fine at the EU's General Court.[France 24 · Wired]
EU regulators penalized X after a two-year inquiry concluded that selling blue verification checkmarks violated digital transparency standards.[France 24 · Wired]
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate alleged the fine represents regulatory overreach against American technology firms.[France 24 · Wired]
The European Commission affirmed its sovereign right to enforce rules protecting its citizens and stated it is prepared to defend the penalty in court.[France 24]

The US Department of Justice applied to intervene in support of Elon Musk and X's legal challenge to overturn a €120 million ($137 million) fine at the EU General Court.[France 24 · Wired]
The European Commission penalized X following a two-year investigation that determined the platform's paid blue verification checkmarks breached transparency rules.[France 24 · Wired]
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate stated that the US will not tolerate European Commission regulatory overreach targeting American businesses.[France 24 · Wired]
European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier declared that the EU possesses a sovereign right to protect citizens and will defend its decision before the court.[France 24]

Whether the EU General Court will grant the US government legal standing to formally participate in the case.[Wired]
Whether the court will uphold, reduce, or annul the €120 million sanction against X.[France 24 · Wired]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.