Trump Media and Rumble Score Free Speech Victory Against Brazilian Judge

Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) and Rumble are claiming a significant win for free speech after a Florida judge ruled they don't have to comply with a Brazilian Supreme Court justice’s attempts to censor political speech. Talk about a global showdown over digital expression!

TMTG, which owns Truth Social, and Rumble, known for its commitment to free speech, sought a temporary restraining order against Justice Alexandre de Moraes, accusing him of trying to "illegally censor American companies operating primarily on American soil." They argued that Moraes was issuing an unlawful gag order that overstepped his authority under Brazilian law.

U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven sided with TMTG and Rumble, stating they don't need to comply with Moraes' directives.

Scriven pointed out that the orders from Moraes "were not served upon Plaintiffs in compliance with the Hague Convention, to which the United States and Brazil are both signatories, nor were they served pursuant to the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty between the United States and Brazil." She added that there was no "action taken by Defendant or the Brazilian government to domesticate the orders or pronouncements pursuant to established protocols." Basically, the paperwork wasn't up to snuff.

"For these reasons, under well-established law, Plaintiffs are not obligated to comply with the directives and pronouncements, and no one is authorized or obligated to assist in their enforcement against Plaintiffs or their interests here in the United States. Finally, it appears no action has been taken to enforce Defendant Moraes’s orders by the Brazilian government, the United States government, or any other relevant actor," Scriven stated.

Rumble celebrated the ruling as confirmation of their stance. "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," said Rumble spokesperson Tim Murtaugh.

Rumble further explained that the court explicitly ruled that Moraes’s directives were never properly served under U.S. or international law. "This means that Rumble and Trump Media are under no obligation to comply with these unlawful censorship demands, and no U.S. entity is required to enforce them."

According to the original lawsuit, Moraes had ordered Rumble to block the account of "Political Dissident A," threatening to shut down Rumble in Brazil if they didn't comply. TMTG and Rumble argued that "spreading misinformation" and "criticizing the Supreme Court" are legal in the U.S., where Rumble operates. Truth Social also claimed it would be affected due to its reliance on Rumble technology. Now, that's what I call sticking to your guns!

Scriven clarified that the court is ready to intervene if anyone attempts to enforce these orders in the United States without following applicable laws or treaties. She added that the matter isn't currently ripe for judicial review.

Rumble believes Scriven made it clear that the court is prepared to protect American companies and free speech if anyone tries to enforce these orders on U.S. soil.

"The ruling sends a strong message to foreign governments that they cannot bypass U.S. law to impose censorship on American platforms," Rumble said, emphasizing that the case was about stopping foreign judges from silencing speech in America. "Rumble and Trump Media will continue to fight for free speech, and today’s ruling is a major victory in that battle."

Moraes declined to comment.

Rumble’s U.S. counsel, Martin De Luca and Matthew Schwartz, stated that the court denied the temporary restraining order because it deemed Moraes’s orders invalid and unenforceable in the United States. "Therefore, there is no need to restrain invalid orders. Of course, if Moraes takes any steps to try to enforce his illegal orders on U.S. soil, we can return to the judge to grant a TRO."