The Real Problem with X

Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election, particularly in light of Elon Musk’s highly visible support for his campaign, has again raised the question of the political significance of X (formerly Twitter). Since Musk acquired the platform in 2022, few institutions have displayed the same “Rorschach” quality. For example, the political activist Michael Shellenberger believes that X, along with its present owner, is now the standard-bearer of free speech in a world of tyrannical governments.