On Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump announced that Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk will co-lead the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency, partnering with venture capitalist Vivek Ramaswamy. Musk, who acquired X in a controversial $44 billion deal in 2022, has seen the platform experience significant turbulence since his takeover, raising concerns about its direction and purpose.
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Musk’s acquisition of Twitter was initially coupled with vows to bolster free speech. However, Associated Press reported a shocking surge in the use of racially charged language, as the n-word proliferation skyrocketed within hours following Musk’s takeover, igniting fierce discussions about the platform’s safety and inclusivity.
Musk’s strong backing of Trump during the presidential campaign included attending rallies and donating millions for fundraising efforts, cementing his place in Trump’s new administration. Given the current trajectory of X, many are questioning whether the platform remains a viable space for Black users to engage with one another and voice their perspectives.
Recent reports from The Root highlighted that actress Kerry Washington made a significant investment in SPILL, a Black-owned alternative to Twitter developed by entrepreneur Alphonzo Terrell. Compounding this shift, media figure Don Lemon announced his permanent departure from X, stating, “I once believed [X] was a place for honest debate and discussion, transparency, and free speech, but I now feel it does not serve that purpose.”
As notable figures continue to abandon the app, political commentator and Root 100 honoree Bakari Sellers observed that the previously rampant bots promoting right-wing views appear to have vanished since the election. This shift may encourage some Black users to remain on the platform, but uncertainty still looms over its future.
However, the Guardian has reported impressive growth for the competing social media platform Bluesky, which attracted over 700,000 new users following the recent election, demonstrating a shift in the landscape of social media. The app has now amassed 14.5 million users globally, showing a remarkable 5.5 million increase since September.
The rise of Bluesky comes as Twitter faces scrutiny, and the platform is quickly catching up to Threads, the leading application with 275 million active users as of November—a jump of 75 million from August. Prominent Black voices, including journalist and author Evette Dionne, chose to exit X before the election, signaling a possible trend in user migration away from the platform.
If the current dynamics persist, X is poised to lose a substantial number of Black users, a group that has profoundly shaped the app’s identity and culture. Earlier this year, Trump discussed establishing a government efficiency commission as part of his economic strategy, with Musk indicating his willingness to lead the initiative should he win the presidency.
What impact do you think Elon Musk’s leadership will have on marginalized communities using X?
**Interview with Dr. Angela Simmons, Social Media Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Simmons. With the recent announcement that Elon Musk will co-lead the unofficial Department of Government Efficiency under President-elect Trump, what are your thoughts on the implications for social media platforms like X?
**Dr. Simmons:** Thank you for having me. This appointment raises important questions about the future direction of X, especially regarding its role in public discourse. Given Musk’s tumultuous reign since acquiring the platform, many are concerned that the challenges related to user safety and inclusivity will exacerbate under his leadership, especially for marginalized communities.
**Editor:** You mentioned concerns about safety and inclusivity. Can you elaborate on how Musk’s takeover has impacted the platform, particularly for Black users?
**Dr. Simmons:** Absolutely. Following Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, there was a troubling surge in racially charged language, which has prompted many Black users to question whether X is a safe space for them. The platform’s initial promise to enhance free speech has been overshadowed by an environment that feels increasingly hostile. This raises significant concerns about who gets to participate in conversations on the platform and how their voices are valued.
**Editor:** In light of this, it seems alternatives are emerging, such as SPILL, which was recently backed by Kerry Washington. Do you think these alternatives can effectively compete with X?
**Dr. Simmons:** I believe there is a real opportunity for alternatives like SPILL to fill the gap for users who feel unsafe or marginalized on X. With strong backing from figures like Kerry Washington, there is potential to create a community-driven platform that prioritizes safety and inclusivity. However, the success of such platforms will depend on how well they establish trust and engagement among their users.
**Editor:** Given Musk’s political ties and significant influence, including his support for Trump, do you anticipate any changes in the policies or governance of X that might further affect user experience?
**Dr. Simmons:** Musk’s political connections could lead to significant shifts in policy, potentially prioritizing a certain narrative that aligns with his and Trump’s ideologies. This could further alienate users who may already feel marginalized. The challenge will be balancing the commitment to free speech with the responsibility to maintain a safe and respectful environment for all users.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Simmons, for sharing your insights on this evolving situation. It will be interesting to see how the landscape of social media continues to change as these dynamics unfold.
**Dr. Simmons:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep this conversation going and advocate for spaces that truly represent and protect all voices.
