Media Matters for America has abruptly suspended its publishing operations following the assassination of Charlie Kirk — with the left-wing watchdog citing what it called a “distressing, upsetting time.”
“Today did not feel like the right moment to publish some of the longer-lead pieces we’ve been working on that did not address this fraught moment,” a Media Matters spokesperson told the Status newsletter on Thursday.
“It’s obviously been a distressing, upsetting time following Charlie Kirk’s tragic murder for those engaged in media work and everyone concerned about the state of American democracy broadly,” the spokesperson said.
“Our primary concern has been ensuring the well-being of our staff while simultaneously continuing to monitor the information ecosystem.”
The Post has sought comment from Media Matters.
Media Matters has repeatedly targeted Kirk, calling him a “pro-Trump troll” and accusing him of spreading hoaxes and conspiracy theories.
The watchdog blasted Kirk for saying young women were “infected [with] the Jezebel spirit” and for telling Taylor Swift to “submit to your husband and have a ton of children,” framing those remarks as misogynistic.
On immigration, it cited his statement that he can’t find “Christ-like compassion” for long-term immigrants who don’t speak English as an example of xenophobia.
Media Matters also denounced his push for a federal takeover of Chicago under the Insurrection Act, which it described as extreme and dangerous rhetoric.
The decision to halt publishing comes as Media Matters battles multiple fronts of legal and regulatory warfare that have already drained its resources and forced staff layoffs.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk is hammering Media Matters with lawsuits across three continents — while the Federal Trade Commission is probing the watchdog over its reports about his social media site X.
Follow The Post’s live coverage of the Charlie Kirk shooting for the latest news and updates
The nonprofit says the twin offensives are bleeding it dry, forcing layoffs and draining its donor support.
Musk sued the group in Texas, Ireland, and Singapore after Media Matters revealed that ads for major brands were appearing alongside antisemitic content on X.
He accused the outfit of tanking his ad business.
Media Matters fired back in San Francisco, calling the blitz a case of “libel tourism” meant to punish criticism by dragging the group into hostile courts.
The FTC subsequently opened an investigation after Media Matters documented extremist content running next to ads on X. Judges have since blocked the probe, ruling it looked like retaliation against protected speech.
Federal courts also tossed similar fishing expeditions by the attorneys general of Texas and Missouri, who accused the group of conspiring to hurt Musk.
But the damage was done. Internal records show Musk’s lawyers demanded access to Media Matters’ donor communications, a move the nonprofit said would chill support. A federal appeals court put that demand on ice, citing First Amendment concerns.
Still, the legal warfare has cost the group dearly. It has slashed staff, lost partners, and struggled to raise funds while fending off what it calls abusive litigation.
MAGA figures have openly urged investigations of progressive outfits they blame for political unrest, making Media Matters a prime target despite repeated court rulings in its favor.20
Whether Media Matters can survive depends on whether donors and allies stick with it through the costly
fight — or whether the combined legal and financial pressure forces a permanent retreat.
