Donald Trump's presidential campaign reportedly worked with X, the social media platform owned by billionaire Elon Musk, to suppress information about Trump's running mate, JD Vance. This action led to the suspension of journalist Ken Klippenstein, who had revealed the information, according to reports from The New York Times.
Klippenstein had shared a 271-page document, compiled by Trump’s campaign, on his Substack in September. The document, intended to vet Vance, was believed to have been leaked as part of a hack that the FBI has linked to Iran. However, X responded to the post by blocking links to the document, citing the inclusion of sensitive information such as Vance’s social security number. The journalist’s account was temporarily banned from the platform.
The move has drawn attention to Musk's growing support for Trump's 2024 presidential run. Although Musk has portrayed himself as a free speech advocate since acquiring Twitter (now X) in 2022, critics argue that the suppression of this information contradicts those values. Musk's public appearances with Trump, including at rallies, have further highlighted his political alignment.
Klippenstein’s account was restored following The New York Times report. He criticized Musk for using his wealth to influence political outcomes, writing that "a social media corporation can decree certain information unfit for the American electorate," calling it a form of election interference.
Musk is expected to continue campaigning for Trump, with reports suggesting he might even participate in door-to-door efforts in Pennsylvania, a key swing state. Through his political action committee, America Pac, Musk has reportedly invested $80 million to support Trump’s campaign efforts in crucial battleground states.
No comments:
Post a Comment