US backs Elon Musk's bid to overturn €120m EU fine against X
The US Department of Justice has filed to intervene in Elon Musk's legal challenge against a €120 million EU fine imposed on X. The US government argues that the EU is overstepping its territorial jurisdiction by penalizing an American company over its verification policies.
Why it matters
This intervention signals a potential escalation in the regulatory conflict between the US and the EU regarding the reach of digital sovereignty and tech platform oversight.
Image source, Getty Images By Laura Cress Technology reporter Published 1 hour ago The US government is seeking to join Elon Musk's legal challenge to overturn a €120m (£105m) EU fine against X over its blue tick badges.
In December 2025, the European Commission said the platform "deceives users" by allowing people to pay for a blue verified check mark, because it is not "meaningfully verifying" who is behind the account.
But US Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate said on Thursday that the commission had "inappropriately attempted" to expand its reach to American companies outside its control.
Musk, who spent millions helping elect Donald Trump and other Republicans, has previously claimed EU tech regulation "inhibits progress" for companies.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed an application , external with the EU's General Court in support of Musk's and X's attempts to dismiss the case.
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