Elon Musk’s ownership of Twitter, which he has turned into X, is being used as a tool to influence the 2024 presidential election in favor of former President Donald Trump. Musk has been vocal about his support for Trump and has used the platform to push conspiracy theories and false claims about Trump’s opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. He has also donated to a political action committee working to get Trump elected. Musk’s actions on X have raised concerns about the spread of misinformation and the platform’s commitment to free speech.
Musk’s use of X as a political messaging machine is a departure from the usual stance of social media platforms and their owners, who typically do not try to influence how users will vote. Musk has allowed Trump to make false claims during a livestreamed conversation on X and has actively campaigned for the former president. His endorsement of Trump and sharing of misleading content have sparked controversy and criticism from advocacy groups and experts who warn that such actions can undermine trust in the electoral process.
Members of the British government have accused X of fueling violent, far-right riots in the United Kingdom with false claims about immigration and civil war. Musk’s online rhetoric, as a prominent and influential figure, has been cited as having real-world impacts and contributing to a rightward shift in the platform’s culture. His reinstatement of White supremacists and conspiracy theorists on X and making it easier for politicians to bypass content restrictions have further raised concerns about the platform’s regulation of harmful content.
The potential collusion between Musk and Trump, should the former president win reelection, could further consolidate Musk’s power and influence on the global stage. Reports have suggested that Musk and Trump have discussed a potential role for the billionaire in the administration, with Musk offering to help rein in government spending. However, critics have called out Musk’s political involvement on X, urging for tighter regulation and transparency regarding its commitment to free speech and preventing the spread of misinformation.
Musk’s actions on X have drawn attention to the role of social media platforms in electoral politics and the responsibility of platform owners to uphold democracy and integrity in elections. The influence of figures like Musk, with large platforms and financial resources, can have far-reaching consequences on public discourse and trust in democratic processes. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the use of X as a political tool by Musk raises questions about the intersection of technology, politics, and the public interest.
