Elon Musk Warns of Potential X Shutdown if Kamala Harris Wins Presidency

 

Tesla founder Elon Musk recently warned that a Harris presidency could threaten the future of X (formerly Twitter), suggesting that government action could be used to shut down the platform. Speaking on Joe Rogan’s podcast, Musk, who acquired X for $44 billion in a move he claimed was to protect free speech, expressed concerns about censorship and the increasing influence of certain advocacy groups.

In their discussion, Rogan defended Musk’s decision to buy X, dismissing criticisms about its financial value. He argued that the value had been misrepresented and claimed that an advertiser boycott, which stemmed from pressure by groups such as the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), contributed to X’s struggles. Musk agreed, labeling the CCDH as a “censorship organization” that, in his view, pushed advertisers to abandon the platform.

Musk’s X Corp previously sued the CCDH, alleging that the organization published exaggerated claims about harmful content on X to dissuade advertisers. Although some aspects of the boycott have reportedly weakened, Musk believes the outcome of the election will determine the platform's fate.

“If Trump wins, we’ll probably see most of the boycott lifted,” Musk speculated. “But if Kamala wins, the boycott will get stronger, and there’s no way a Kamala administration would allow X to exist.”

Rogan questioned the likelihood of a government-led shutdown, asking how such a scenario could unfold. Musk responded by outlining potential actions he believes could be taken against X, including intervention by the Department of Justice (DOJ) under the guise of addressing misinformation or hate speech. He suggested that this could involve legal challenges designed to pressure the platform.

Musk’s comments come as his other company, SpaceX, faces its own legal challenges with the DOJ. Last year, the department filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, alleging discriminatory hiring practices. That case has been temporarily halted as SpaceX pursues its own counterclaims.

With the 2024 election approaching, Musk’s remarks underscore a growing concern over government intervention in digital platforms and the broader debate between free speech and regulatory oversight.