Right-wing agitation, unsubstantiated voter fraud allegations and conspiracy theories. These are the most popular topics of the accounts that Elon Musk (51) opened after he took over Twitter. Probably the most famous example is the account of former US President Donald Trump (76). Many of the previously suspended accounts also belong to vocal supporters of the controversial billionaire politician.
At the same time, Elon Musk receives international support from a large number of right-wing populists. AfD boss Alice Weidel, 43, commented on the recently released accounts: “Since Elon Musk took over Twitter, freedom and self-determination can be more openly defended on Twitter,” says Weidel of the “Rheinische Post.”
Corona deniers, QAnon supporters and far-right
The “New York Times” analyzed tweets from more than 1,000 accounts that were recently blocked after being reactivated. It turned out that most of the tweets revolved around Joe Biden’s (80) alleged voter fraud, Covid skepticism and conspiracy theories.
During the pandemic, Twitter suspended nearly 11,000 accounts for spreading misinformation. Accounts of users who sometimes claim that people will die from the vaccine. Or the virus is not dangerous at all. Another group now returning to the platform is users who accuse Joe Biden of voter fraud. False information about allegedly manipulated voting machines is a popular topic here.
Finally, the QAnon group of conspiracy theorists returns. More than 70,000 accounts linked to the movement were suspended following the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Since their return, top democratic politicians have happily tweeted about the so-called pedophile gangs in their ranks and the secret conspiracies that run the state in the background.
Fake news and conspiracy theories as freedom of expression
So if you view the spread of fake news, conspiracy theories, and completely unfounded accusations against opposition politicians as freedom of speech, Elon Musk has certainly given more freedom with his action.
Therefore, it is not surprising that support comes from the right-wing populist corner. In particular, AFD has drawn attention many times in the past for its top politicians’ questionable theories, including the issue of Covid.