The U.S. Department of Justice has applied to intervene in X's challenge to the European Commission's EUR120 million fine under the Digital Services Act, broadening a dispute over the platform's compliance into a contest over the EU's regulatory reach. The Commission said in December 2025 that X's paid blue check marks deceive users because the platform does not meaningfully verify account holders, and also cited advertising transparency and researchers' access to public data. Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate said the Commission had inappropriately sought to extend its authority to American companies. The DOJ told the EU General Court that the United States has an interest in ensuring territorial jurisdiction is applied consistently with international law and that U.S.-headquartered digital services are not prejudiced. Musk has criticized the penalty, called for the EU's abolition and reportedly removed the Commission's X advertising account. U.S. officials including Vice President JD Vance and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau have also criticized EU enforcement. The Commission has rejected accusations that it targets U.S. companies, saying its rules protect the EU's digital and democratic standards.