House Judiciary opens investigation into how foreign censorship could impact American free speech

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan on Tuesday sent a letter to European Union (EU) Commissioner for Justice and Rule of Law Michael McGrath, notifying him of a probe on the extent that Poland has suppressed American free speech.

The letter accuses Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and his administration of taking actions to target and censor political opponents, and warns that a European censorship regime could also indirectly censor social media posts made in the United States. 

Jordan said the committee is investigating "how and to what extent foreign laws, regulations, and judicial orders compel or coerce companies to censor speech in the United States," and is seeking information on what the EU plans to do about Poland's regime. 

"Under the Treaty on European Union, the EU is obligated to ensure Member States, including Poland, uphold the rule of law," Jordan reminded McGrath. "The EU’s silence may embolden the Tusk government’s censorship efforts, leading the Polish government to seek global removal of speech it disagrees with, which could ultimately result in the censorship of American speech."

The lawmaker said the Polish government has already taken steps to silence its opponents on social media platforms like TikTok, revoked the license for a popular Polish news station, and has treated opponents "inhumanely." 

"Together, these actions raise concerns about whether the Tusk government is upholding the EU’s democratic values and whether it will further attempt to silence its political rivals by using anti-democratic laws like the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) to censor speech that criticizes the Tusk government," the letter reads.

Jordan requested a briefing on the EU’s position, but did not specify a deadline for a response. The letter was also signed by GOP Reps. Darrell Issa of California, Chris Smith of New Jersey, Warren Davidson of Ohio and Andy Harris of Maryland.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.