Trump administration asks court to dismiss challenge to social media executive order

The Trump administration has filed a motion asking a court to dismiss a lawsuit against the president’s executive order targeting social media companies, calling it a “profound misunderstanding.” The lawsuit was brought in June by the Center for Democracy and Technology. CDT argued Trump’s social media executive order violates the First Amendment rights of social media companies, will chill future online speech and reduce the ability of Americans to speak freely online. The administration argues that the executive order only directs government agencies, and not private companies, to act. “The EO challenged here imposes no obligations on any private party,” said the motion filed by the Department of Justice in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. “It directs executive officials to take steps that could lead various agencies to examine ... allegations that large social media online platforms have displayed political bias in moderating content.”