A judge has delivered a legal blow to Elon Musk, ruling that former President Donald Trump hasn't intervened to halt the SEC's lawsuit against him. The suit stems from Musk's 2022 Twitter takeover, alleging he failed to disclose his stake in a timely fashion, potentially harming investors. The SEC seeks $150 million in disgorgement and an injunction to prevent future violations.

Musk argued the SEC was politically motivated, singling him out for enforcement. He also claimed the lawsuit infringed on his free speech. The judge dismissed these claims, finding no evidence of political targeting. She pointed out that the ongoing case, despite Trump's order to investigate Biden-era enforcement actions, suggests Trump isn't intervening on Musk's behalf.

Musk's defense hinged on the idea that the SEC was acting unfairly. He also argued that the disgorgement amount was excessive compared to previous cases. The judge's decision suggests that Musk's legal challenges are facing significant hurdles. It's uncertain how this will impact the future of the lawsuit against the X owner.

Musk is currently trying to distance himself from the troubles during the Twitter acquisition period. The SEC maintains that investors deserved full disclosure of Musk's intentions when he acquired more than 5% of the company's shares. This is a crucial case for the SEC's enforcement powers.