Everyone knows that Elon Musk has been in the midst of acquiring Twitter for $44 billion. While the transaction hasn’t yet completed, Elon Musk is still doing his best to acquire the social media platform. Many Twitter users have mixed feelings about this. While Elon Musk says he wants Twitter to be a platform for free speech, other users feel the opposite. In any case, it looks like Elon Musk might’ve made his most divisive statement about the transaction yet. Elon Musk indicated that he would reverse the permanent ban against Donald Trump if his acquisition of Twitter goes through.
Elon Musk recently spoke with the Financial Times and noted that the ban “was morally wrong and flat out stupid.” Donald Trump was initially banned by Twitter days after the Capitol riot that took place on January 6. The reason included the “risk of further incitement of violence.” Musk further explained his thoughts on the matter, stating:
“It was not correct to ban Donald Trump,” Musk began. “I think that was a mistake, because it alienated a large part of the country and did not ultimately result in Donald Trump not having a voice.”
Donald Trump will be using his own social media platform titled Truth Social as a result. Elon Musk commented on this as well.
“He’s now going to be on Truth Social, as will a large part of the right in the United States. So, I think this could end up being, frankly, worse than having a single forum where everyone can debate,” he added.
And while the Tesla founder does not yet own Twitter, nor does Donald Trump want to return, Musk insists that the permanent ban against him would be reversed.
“I would reverse the Twitter ban. Obviously, I don’t own Twitter yet, so this is not a thing that will definitely happen.”
He also explained that while he condones free speech, there will still be consequences for those who post “illegal” or “destructive” content.
“That doesn’t mean that someone gets to say whatever they want to say. If they say something that is illegal or destructive to the world, then there should be perhaps a timeout, temporary suspension or that particular tweet should be made invisible or have very little traction.”
Finally, Elon Musk explained that the only permanent bans he would serve would likely be for “spam or “scam” accounts. Of course, his attempt to purchase Twitter is “not a done deal.” So we’ll still have a few more months at least to see what happens.