Key Takeaways:
- Elon Musk declared on Tuesday that if he becomes the next owner of Twitter, Donald Trump’s ban will be lifted.
- Musk stated that his $44 billion purchase of Twitter had yet to be completed. As a result, Trump’s account may or may not be revived.
- Musk has portrayed himself as a “free speech absolutist,” arguing that his purchase of Twitter sparked an interest in learning the truth.
Elon Musk claimed on Tuesday that if he becomes the next owner of Twitter, he will lift Donald Trump’s ban.
Musk remarked during a Financial Times keynote lecture that Trump shouldn’t have been barred in the first place.
“I believe that was a mistake because it alienated a significant portion of the country and did not result in Donald Trump’s lack of a voice,” Musk added, pointing out that Trump has since built his social network, Truth Social, to interact with his fans.
“Banning Trump was a morally reprehensible and extremely unwise action.”
Also read: Gas prices in Metro Vancouver will rise another 5 cents
Musk claims that the prohibition has boosted Trump’s popularity among the political right and that a single venue where everyone may argue is a preferable alternative.
“I suppose the answer is that I would lift the indefinite restriction,” Musk stated.
After the U.S. Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when Trump supporters attempted to dispute the certification of the United States’ 2020 election, he was banned from Twitter owing to a “risk of future instigation of violence.” Five people died as a result of the incidents.
Even if allowed, the former president has stated openly that he will not return to Twitter, preferring to remain on Truth Social. When it was active, Trump’s Twitter account had over 88 million followers and served as his megaphone during his presidency. His Truth Social account, on the other hand, has 2.7 million followers and has seen around 50 updates in the last week.
Musk indicated that his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter has not yet been consummated. Thus Trump’s account may or may not be resurrected. He estimates that the deal will be completed in 2 to 3 months in the best-case scenario.
It’s unclear what moderation restrictions the Tesla CEO will impose if he buys Twitter. Still, he stressed Tuesday that permanent bans should be “very rare,” preferring a time out or suspension instead, as well as suppressing or limiting the traction of particular messages.
“Permanent bans erode faith in Twitter as a public forum where anyone may express themselves,” Musk added.
However, he stated that a looser moderation policy does not imply that everyone can say whatever they want — it must be legal. Musk has represented himself as a “free speech absolutist,” claiming that his decision to buy Twitter encouraged a desire to learn the truth.
Source: Global News
Get Canada and Yukon’s top News, Market News, and other News of USA and worldwide only on yukonweekly.com
