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.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 25, 2022
Deplatforming a sitting President undermined public trust in Twitter for half of America.
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.
Would you support Ron DeSantis in 2024, Elon?
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) November 26, 2022
Trump’s Tweets Negate Jan. 6 Narrative
After Musk reinstated Trump’s Twitter account, the former president’s tweets from Jan. 6, 2021, began circulating. Conservative pundits reposted Trump’s Twitter messages from the event as evidence that he had called for his supporters to “stay peaceful” when they went to the U.S. Capitol.
A Democrat-led panel of House lawmakers has been investigating “the facts, circumstances, and causes” of the events of Jan. 6, 2021, which they characterize as an “insurrection” meant to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and disrupt the transfer of power. However, the panel has been accused of ignoring key facts about the events of the day.
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
On Jan. 6, 2021, a crowd of protesters, who were mostly Trump supporters, made their way to the U.S. Capitol while Congress was certifying the results of the election.
Most of the crowd had just finished listening to Trump speak before he encouraged them to go to the U.S. Capitol, but a smaller group were already at the barricades trying to get through.
Trump has been accused of inciting the crowd to violence, but now-restored Twitter posts show that Trump called on his supporters to support the police and “stay peaceful.”
Trump was de-platformed by Twitter and Facebook after Jan. 6.
I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Questions have been raised about whether some of the protesters were not genuine Trump supporters, with video footage and key witness accounts disputing the prevailing media narrative about the violence on the day.
In a video captured on the day, presented in the Epoch TV documentary titled “The Real Story of Jan. 6,” police are seen using force to provoke a group of protesters before violence erupted, with injuries sustained by both protesters and police officers.
