Biden says Twitter “spews lies” as company undergoes massive layoffs under Elon Musk
President Biden said Friday that Elon Musk has purchased a social media company that “spews lies” around the globe.
The big picture: Twitter laid off as many as 3,700 people Friday — about half of its staff — but said the cuts were smaller for the team in charge of preventing the spread of misinformation, per Reuters.
• Meanwhile, advertisers cut their spending as advocacy groups turned up the pressure to boycott Twitter in the wake of the layoffs and increasing hate speech.
What they’re saying: “Now what are we all worried about?
Separately, when asked about the layoffs Friday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the President has been outspoken about “the importance of social media platforms continuing to take steps to reduce hate speech and misinformation.”
• “That belief extends to Twitter, it extends to Facebook and any other social media platforms where users can spread misinformation,” she said.
Meanwhile, Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey apologized Saturday for growing Twitter “too quickly.”
• “I realize many are angry with me,” he tweeted.
President Biden said Friday that Elon Musk has purchased a social media company that “spews lies ” around the globe.
The big picture: Twitter laid off as many as 3,700 people Friday — about half of its staff — but said the cuts were smaller for the team in charge of preventing the spread of misinformation , per Reuters.
• Meanwhile, advertisers cut their spending as advocacy groups turned up the pressure to boycott Twitter in the wake of the layoffs and increasing hate speech .What they’re saying: “Now what are we all worried about? Elon Musk goes out and buys an outfit that sends and spews lies all across the world,” Biden said at a Chicago fundraiser Friday .
• “There’s no editors anymore,” he added. “How do we expect kids to be able to understand what is at stake?”Separately, when asked about the layoffs Friday , White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the President has been outspoken about “the importance of social media platforms continuing to take steps to reduce hate speech and misinformation .”
• “That belief extends to Twitter , it extends to Facebook and any other social media platforms where users can spread misinformation ,” she said.Meanwhile, Twitter co -founder Jack Dorsey apologized Saturday for growing Twitter “too quickly.”
• “I realize many are angry with me,” he tweeted. “I own the responsibility for why everyone is in this situation: I grew the company size too quickly. I apologize for that.”
• “I am grateful for, and love, everyone who has ever worked on Twitter . I don’t expect that to be mutual in this moment…or ever…and I understand.”
