OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Twitter boss and billionaire Elon Musk has spoken out on the platform regarding Donald Trump after he unbanned the former president.
Musk’s comments came in response to columnist and comedian Tim Young, who tweeted, “It’s been a week since @elonmusk brought Trump back… and without him even tweeting once… The left can’t handle it.”
“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,” Musk noted before expressing his disappointment in the Biden administration.
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
“As a reminder, I was a significant supporter of the Obama-Biden presidency and (reluctantly) voted for Biden over Trump,” he wrote.
“But freedom of speech is the bedrock of a strong democracy and must take precedence. 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,” he added.
But freedom of speech is the bedrock of a strong democracy and must take precedence.
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.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 26, 2022
When another user asked, “Would you support Ron DeSantis in 2024, Elon?” — Musk responded, “Yes,” adding: “But Twitter as a platform must be fair to all.”
Yes
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 26, 2022
Musk revealed right-leaning political tendencies prior to the midterm elections earlier this month.
In an appeal to “independent” voters, the billionaire asked them to support Republicans for Congress.
“To independent-minded voters: Shared power curbs the worst excesses of both parties, therefore I recommend voting for a Republican Congress, given that the Presidency is Democratic,” he noted on his platform.
“Hardcore Democrats or Republicans never vote for the other side, so independent voters are the ones who actually decide who’s in charge!” he added.
Hardcore Democrats or Republicans never vote for the other side, so independent voters are the ones who actually decide who’s in charge!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 7, 2022
In June, Musk revealed that he voted for then-GOP congressional candidate Mayra Flores in Texas, who won a special election in a historically blue district.
“I voted for Mayra Flores – first time I ever voted Republican. Massive red wave in 2022,” he wrote on Twitter.
I voted for Mayra Flores – first time I ever voted Republican.
Massive red wave in 2022.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 15, 2022
“Welcome to the Republican Party! We welcome all walk aways from all walks of life. The party of opportunity, prosperity, and freedom is here to stay. We look forward to working together and building a better future for all of America,” the Congresswoman responded.
She was defeated earlier this month, however, by a Democrat in the historically blue border district.
Left-leaning users on Twitter blasted Musk when he allowed Trump back on the platform last week.
“Elon Musk is letting a man who led a violent Insurrection to overthrow the United States Government back on this platform. Letting the Lies and Disinformation continue to poison the American bloodstream,” he said.
Elon Musk is letting a man who led a violent Insurrection to overthrow the United States Government back on this platform. Letting the Lies and Disinformation continue to poison the American bloodstream.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) November 20, 2022
Keith Olbermann said: “Life accomplishments of Donald J. Trump: – 2016: as ultimate political outsider is nonetheless elected president of the United States – 2022: gets account reinstated on free website.”
Life accomplishments of Donald J. Trump:
– 2016: as ultimate political outsider is nonetheless elected president of the United States
– 2022: gets account reinstated on free website
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) November 20, 2022
“Memo to Elon, freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom to incite an insurrection,” Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich added.
Memo to Elon, freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom to incite an insurrection.
— Robert Reich (@RBReich) November 20, 2022
“Musk is not exactly Donald Trump. But both represent the emergence of a particularly American personality in the early decades of the 21st century: the wildly disruptive narcissist,” he said.
Musk is not exactly Donald Trump.
But both represent the emergence of a particularly American personality in the early decades of the 21st century: the wildly disruptive narcissist.
— Robert Reich (@RBReich) November 20, 2022
Bette Midler may have had the most dramatic reaction to the former president’s reinstatement.
“A tragic day for #America, which Elon doesn’t understand, because at heart, he’s not American, any more than #Murdoch is. An illegal immigrant, raised in Apartheid SA, he’s just fine with racism & hate. His fake Vox Populi! He was always going to let him back: he needs the eyes,” she said.
A tragic day for #America, which Elon doesn’t understand, because at heart, he’s not American, any more than #Murdoch is. An illegal immigrant, raised in Apartheid SA, he’s just fine with racism & hate. His fake Vox Populi! He was always going to let him back: he needs the eyes.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) November 20, 2022