Elon Musk, the new owner of Twitter, said Friday the social media platform made a “grave mistake” when it banned former President Donald Trump in early 2021, noting that it broke trust with half the country.
Musk made his comment in reply to author and comedian Tim Young, who said “the left can’t handle” Trump’s Twitter account being reinstated by Musk, even though the former president hasn’t posted anything.
“It’s been a week since @elonmusk brought Trump back … and without him even tweeting once … The left can’t handle it,” Young wrote.
“I’m fine with Trump not tweeting,” Musk replied. “The important thing is that Twitter correct a grave mistake in banning his account, despite no violation of the law or terms of service.”
He added: “Deplatforming a sitting President undermined public trust in Twitter for half of America.”
I’m fine with Trump not tweeting. The important thing is that Twitter correct a grave mistake in banning his account, despite no violation of the law or terms of service.
Deplatforming a sitting President undermined public trust in Twitter for half of America.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 25, 2022
Musk ‘Disappointed’ by Biden Admin
Musk further noted he identifies as a centrist, reminding Twitter users that he had been a significant supporter of former President Barrack Obama, a Democrat, and had voted for President Joe Biden in 2020.
The world’s richest man, who also runs SpaceX and Telsa, noted that freedom of speech was more important than which way he votes.
Musk has made clear that he views Twitter as a digital town square for the world.
“But freedom of speech is the bedrock of a strong democracy and must take precedence,” he added in a subsequent tweet. “My preference for the 2024 presidency is someone sensible and centrist. I had hoped that would the case for the Biden administration, but have been disappointed so far.”
When asked, Musk said “yes,” he would support Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in a 2024 presidential bid. “But Twitter as a platform must be fair to all,” he added. Florida’s governor has been touted as a popular alternative GOP nominee for president.
Yes
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 26, 2022
