Fact check
“The US government filed an application to support the company’s legal challenge against a fine issued under the bloc’s Digital Services Act.”
Reasoning
The provided evidence directly reports that the US government, via the Department of Justice and with the Department of State's assistance, submitted an application to intervene in the legal challenge against the €137 million fine imposed under the EU's Digital Services Act. This matches the claim word‑for‑word.
On confidence: Two independent excerpts from the same reputable source (WIRED) explicitly state that the US Department of Justice filed an application to support Elon Musk's legal challenge against the EU Digital Services Act fine.
Important context
The filing is part of a broader US effort to contest the EU fine on the basis that it may constitute overseas extortion and to protect American companies from foreign regulatory actions.
Evidence
Supporting (2)
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceThe Trump Administration Is Trying to Get Musk and X Out of a $137 Million EU Fine | WIRED
Isabella Ward Business Sep 25, 2026 7:32 AM The Trump Administration Is Trying to Get Musk and X Out of a $137 Million EU Fine The US government filed an application to support the company’s legal challenge against a fine issued under the…
- Tier 1 — Primary sourceThe Trump Administration Is Trying to Get Musk and X Out of a $137 Million EU Fine | WIRED
criticism of the bloc’s tech rules. The US Department of Justice said it had filed an application with the help of the Department of State to support a legal challenge by Musk to annul the case in the EU’s General Court. The…
Limitations
Both pieces of evidence come from the same article; no additional independent sources are provided. However, the source is a reputable news outlet, and the statements are clear and specific.
- Last verified:
- Sep 27, 2026, 4:04 AM CDT
- Pipeline:
- 2.1.0
- Claim type:
- Factual
Where this claim appeared
The Trump Administration Is Trying to Get Musk and X Out of a $137 Million EU FineWired · Isabella Ward