Trump Campaign Collaborates with Elon Musk’s X to Suppress JD Vance Leak

[Social Media]

 

Donald Trump's presidential campaign reportedly collaborated with X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to prevent the spread of leaked information concerning JD Vance, Trump's running mate. According to reports, this resulted in the ban of journalist Ken Klippenstein from the platform, sparking controversy regarding free speech and corporate political influence.

 

The incident originated when Klippenstein, an independent journalist, shared a 271-page document on his Substack in September. The document, reportedly a vetting file on JD Vance, contained sensitive information including Vance's social security number. X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, responded by blocking links to the document, citing the presence of personal data. Klippenstein was subsequently banned from the platform. The New York Times revealed that Trump’s campaign had contacted X to intervene in this matter.

 

Klippenstein’s publication appears to be connected to a hack of Trump’s campaign earlier this year, which has been attributed to Iran by the FBI. Several media outlets, though aware of the hack, refrained from publishing the materials. This contrasts with the extensive media coverage given to leaked files from Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, which had been hacked by Russian intelligence. Trump had famously encouraged Russia during that time, saying, "I hope you’re able to find" Clinton's emails.

 

The move by X to suppress the Vance leak has fueled discussions about Musk’s overt support for Trump. After acquiring Twitter in 2022, Musk declared his commitment to free speech, even if it offended political parties. However, his actions in this case suggest a shift toward protecting Trump's interests as he attempts to reclaim the presidency in the 2024 election.

 

Musk’s support for Trump has become increasingly public. Just last week, he appeared alongside Trump at a Pennsylvania rally, where he proclaimed, “I’m not just Maga – I’m dark Maga,” referencing Trump’s campaign slogan. Musk further escalated his rhetoric, warning that “this will be the last election” if Trump does not win, and accused Democrats, particularly Vice President Kamala Harris, of threatening Americans' rights. “They want to take away your freedom of speech, they want to take away your right to bear arms, they want to take away your right to vote, effectively,” Musk said.

 

Following the New York Times' revelations, Klippenstein’s account on X was restored. On his Substack, Klippenstein criticized Musk’s political maneuvers, accusing him of using his wealth to interfere in the democratic process. “The real election interference here is that a social media corporation can decree certain information unfit for the American electorate,” Klippenstein wrote. He further emphasized the importance of protecting free speech, saying, “Two of our most sacred rights as Americans are the freedoms of speech and assembly, online or otherwise. It is a national humiliation that these rights can be curtailed by anyone with enough digits in their bank account.”

 

Musk is expected to further intensify his involvement in Trump’s campaign. Reports indicate he may participate in more rallies and even campaign door-to-door in Pennsylvania. His political action entity, America Pac, has already spent around $80 million to support Trump’s efforts in key swing states like Pennsylvania.

 

Based on a report from The Guardian 2024-10-14

 

 

 

[KhunLA]

Conspiring ? ... Seems like the right thing to do when people post 'personal info' of other people.

 

"The incident originated when Klippenstein, an independent journalist, shared a 271-page document on his Substack in September. The document, reportedly a vetting file on JD Vance, contained sensitive information including Vance's social security number. X, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, responded by blocking links to the document, citing the presence of personal data. Klippenstein was subsequently banned from the platform."

[Cryingdick]

Somebody tried to dox Vance and they got banned. This is normal.

[Cryingdick]

Some little anonymous idiot troll adds an emoji. This shouldn't be allowed.