RIO DE JANEIRO – Donald Trump’s Trump Media & Technology Group and video-sharing platform Rumble have filed an emergency motion in a U.S. court against Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, alleging illegal censorship and violations of U.S. sovereignty and constitutional rights, according to a statement released on Sunday.
The legal action comes after Justice Moraes ordered the suspension of Rumble’s service in Brazil until the company complies with local court mandates. The order includes requirements for Rumble to appoint a legal representative in Brazil, pay pending fines, and block the account of Allan dos Santos, a digital influencer allied with former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is under investigation for alleged hate speech and disinformation.
Trump Media and Rumble filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Tampa, arguing that Moraes’ rulings violate U.S. laws and sovereignty. The companies also claimed that Moraes threatened criminal charges against Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski.
In the statement, the companies contended that Moraes’ actions represent unlawful censorship and overreach, with Rumble asserting its commitment to free speech and opposition to government interference. Brazil’s Supreme Court has not yet responded to the lawsuit or requests for comment.
This dispute follows Moraes’ broader crackdown on disinformation and alleged threats to democracy, particularly during Bolsonaro’s presidency. His actions have previously drawn criticism from X owner Elon Musk, reflecting ongoing tensions between Brazilian judicial authorities and foreign tech platforms.
The emergency motion marks an escalation in international legal battles over digital freedom of expression and platform governance, raising questions about jurisdiction and sovereignty in the regulation of global tech companies.