Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito on Tuesday defended his position in the 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case, arguing it was essential to preserve the free speech rights of media outlets and other corporations despite becoming a “lightning rod” for attacks against campaign finance rules.

The Republican-appointed member gave his assessment of the 5-4 decision during a question and answer session with John G. Malcolm, vice president at the Institute for Constitutional Government for the Heritage Foundation.