Media

Sen. Chris Murphy’s letter comes as ‘free speech absolutist’ Tesla CEO looks to rollback censorship on platform

Benjamin Wilson • November 1, 2022 2:00 pm

Just days after Elon Musk completed his takeover of Twitter, a top Democratic lawmaker is calling on the Biden administration to investigate the Tesla CEO’s $44 billion purchase.

In a letter Monday, Sen. Chris Murphy (D., Conn.) requested that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen “immediately conduct a review” of the funding Musk used from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, arguing Twitter is vital for government communication and is susceptible to foreign influence. The two countries’ stakes comprise 5 percent of Twitter’s new funding.

“Any potential that Twitter’s foreign ownership will result in increased censorship, misinformation, or political violence is a grave national security concern,” Murphy wrote.

The Democrat’s letter comes as Musk, a self-described “free speech absolutist,” looks to ease censorship and reverse permanent bans, including on former president Donald Trump’s account.

Murphy, who made headlines in September for blocking a bill to increase school security and mental health resources, acknowledged the countries’ stakes were “non-controlling” but said a company with Americans’ “sensitive personal data” should be protected.

Musk took over the company last week, tweeting Friday: “The bird is freed.” He is reportedly expected to lay off a quarter of the tech company’s workforce.

The Biden administration is reportedly weighing an investigation into Musk’s activities, including the social media takeover.