May 1, 2026 · regulatory_action
FTC settles with Media Matters and agrees not to reinvestigate
The Federal Trade Commission settled its litigation with Media Matters in May 2026 after courts found the agency violated the First Amendment by retaliating against the nonprofit for its reporting on Elon Musk's X. Under the settlement terms, the FTC agreed to never reissue or issue a substantially similar civil investigative demand to Media Matters, stated in writing that Media Matters is not a target of any investigation, and agreed that any future litigation would occur in D.C. Media Matters called it a complete and total victory.
Mar 11, 2026 · government
Commerce Department and FTC issue state AI law evaluations and policy statements
On March 11, 2026, the Commerce Department published its evaluation of state AI laws identifying those deemed "onerous" and in conflict with federal AI policy, while the Federal Trade Commission issued a policy statement explaining when state laws requiring AI bias mitigation are preempted by the FTC Act. Both deliverables were triggered by Trump's December 11, 2025 executive order and feed into the DOJ's AI Litigation Task Force, established January 9, 2026 under Attorney General Pam Bondi, which is now authorized to sue specific states over their AI laws. The executive order also gives Commerce authority to condition $42 billion in BEAD broadband grants on states repealing AI laws deemed onerous.
Mar 10, 2026 · executive
Trump blocks state AI laws as Commerce names onerous state regulations for federal preemption
The Commerce Department publishes a list of state AI laws it has designated as "onerous" under Trump's December 2025 executive order on AI preemption, signaling they will be federally preempted. States named include California's AB 2013 algorithmic transparency law, Illinois' AI Video Interview Act, and New York City's Local Law 144 on AI in hiring. The FTC simultaneously announces it will not enforce Biden-era AI guidance in states that have their own stricter rules. Consumer groups warn the coordinated action creates a regulatory vacuum for AI discrimination in hiring, lending, and housing that will take years to fill.
Dec 11, 2025 · executive
Trump Signs EO 14365 Directing DOJ and FTC to Challenge State AI Laws
President Trump signed Executive Order 14365, "Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence," directing the Attorney General to create an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge state AI laws deemed inconsistent with federal policy, and tasking the FTC to identify state laws preempted by federal deceptive practices statutes. The order directed Commerce to publish evaluations of "onerous" state AI laws. It carved out child safety, AI infrastructure, and state government procurement. 18+ states had passed AI-related laws.
Dec 6, 2025 · executive
Trump Executive Order Directs DOJ and FTC to Probe Meatpackers for Price Fixing
President Trump signed an executive order directing DOJ and FTC each to establish task forces investigating anticompetitive conduct in the food supply chain — with particular focus on the "Big Four" meatpackers (Tyson, Cargill, JBS, National Beef), seed, fertilizer, and equipment sectors. Two of the four major meatpackers are foreign-owned. Both agencies must brief Congress within six months. The order followed a November 7 directive targeting foreign meatpacking companies specifically.
