“𝕏 doesn’t put a thumb on the scale. No voice on the left or on the right is being silenced” (Elon Musk, Pittsburg, October 2024).
In 2022, Elon Musk “the other winner” (Internazionale) purchased Twitter for $44 billion, vowing to transform the platform into a digital public square where free speech would reign supreme. He argued that Twitter had become too politically biased and that its moderation policies stifled open discourse.
However, Musk’s vision of depoliticizing the platform quickly gave way to controversies, as his decisions increasingly aligned with personal ideologies and explicit political endorsements. How did Musk’s Twitter journey evolve from promoting free speech to wielding the platform as a tool for political influence – and ultimately securing a place in the U.S. government?
The promise of depoliticization and freedom of speech
Elon Musk framed his acquisition of Twitter as a mission to rescue free speech. He criticized the platform’s previous management for suppressing conservative voices and claimed that content moderation was disproportionately skewed in favor of progressive ideologies. His stated goal was to create an open and balanced forum for all perspectives.
Upon taking control, Musk implemented sweeping changes: reinstating banned accounts (including Donald Trump’s), rolling back moderation policies, and opposing so-called “woke” ideologies. Musk emphasized the importance of allowing controversial opinions, presenting himself as a champion of unrestricted dialogue.
However, these actions soon drew criticism. Hate speech and misinformation surged on the platform, according to reports. For instance, researchers noted a marked rise in antisemitic and racist content after moderation was relaxed. Musk’s promise of neutrality increasingly appeared selective, favoring voices that aligned with his own worldview.
The political instrumentalization of Twitter
Musk’s pivot to explicit political involvement became undeniable in 2024, when he used Twitter, now become X, to openly endorse Donald Trump for president. He tweeted, “If you care about the economy and the future of America, Trump is the only logical choice.” Beyond this, Musk amplified several divisive narratives, including conspiracy theories like the Pizzagate revival, which falsely linked prominent Democrats to a child trafficking ring, and claims suggesting widespread fraud in the 2020 U.S. election.
Under Musk’s leadership, X increasingly mirrored his political leanings. The platform became a space where conservative voices gained greater prominence through algorithmic boosts, while progressive figures accused Musk of shadowbanning and silencing dissent.
Musk’s political engagement extended beyond tweets. He cultivated relationships with prominent Republican figures, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. His influence was also seen in his involvement with initiatives to shape AI and social media regulation, often aligning with GOP priorities.
From X to the U.S. Government
Musk’s rise to political influence culminated in his appointment as head of the Department of Government Efficiency in late 2024, following Trump’s re-election. This position not only consolidates his influence over policymaking but also raises significant concerns about conflicts of interest, given his dual status as a government official and a private tech mogul.
Critics argue that Musk’s position allows him to blur the lines between public service and private gain. For instance, his leadership in shaping AI policy directly benefits companies like Tesla and Neuralink. Furthermore, his control over X gives him unparalleled power to influence public discourse, crafting narratives that align with his agenda.
This intertwining of private and public power sets a troubling precedent: Musk’s actions demonstrate how a figure with immense wealth and technological influence can transition into a governmental role, wielding outsized influence over both the economy and democracy itself.
A contested model of digital governance
Musk’s stewardship of X highlights the risks of centralized control over influential digital platforms. His vision of unfettered free speech has often translated into amplifying voices he supports while marginalizing others. For example, he suspended journalists critical of his policies, such as those reporting on internal documents leaked by former employees.
This concentration of power in a single individual raises critical concerns. Should platforms like X, which shape public discourse and influence elections, be left in the hands of a private owner? Critics argue that Musk’s decisions, driven by personal ideology, demonstrate the dangers of unregulated social media governance.
Calls for greater oversight have intensified. Policymakers suggest measures such as transparency in content moderation algorithms, limits on political endorsements by platform executives, and frameworks to hold social media owners accountable for the misuse of their platforms. Without such safeguards, democracy itself could be at risk.
Conclusion
Elon Musk has transformed Twitter into a platform where free speech coexists uneasily with political manipulation. While he initially presented himself as a liberator of open dialogue, his tenure has highlighted the contradictions between libertarian ideals and the practicalities of governing a global communication tool.
The case of Musk underscores a broader dilemma: should platforms with outsized influence over public discourse remain under private control, or should they be regulated to ensure impartiality and accountability? As social media increasingly shapes democratic outcomes, balancing freedom of expression with responsibility is a challenge we must address urgently.
Ghanbary Nina, COMED
Master 2 Cyberjustice 2024/2025
Sources :
Musk tapped by Trump to head new ‘government efficiency’ department
Photo by Anna Moneymaker, Gettyimages.
