President Trump issued something of a warning yesterday in telling big tech social media platforms they’re now being watched closely by his administration.
“I am continuing to monitor the censorship of AMERICAN CITIZENS on social media platforms,” the President tweeted. “This is the United States of America — and we have what’s known as FREEDOM OF SPEECH! We are monitoring and watching, closely.”
I am continuing to monitor the censorship of AMERICAN CITIZENS on social media platforms. This is the United States of America — and we have what’s known as FREEDOM OF SPEECH! We are monitoring and watching, closely!!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2019
“The wonderful Diamond and Silk have been treated so horribly by Facebook,” the President added. “They work so hard and what has been done to them is very sad – and we’re looking into [it]. It’s getting worse and worse for Conservatives on social media!”
The wonderful Diamond and Silk have been treated so horribly by Facebook. They work so hard and what has been done to them is very sad – and we’re looking into. It’s getting worse and worse for Conservatives on social media!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2019
“So surprised to see Conservative thinkers like James Woods banned from Twitter, and Paul Watson banned from Facebook!”
So surprised to see Conservative thinkers like James Woods banned from Twitter, and Paul Watson banned from Facebook! https://t.co/eHX3Z5CMXb
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 3, 2019
President Trump’s comments come a day after political commentators Paul Joseph Watson, Laura Loomer and Milo Yiannopoulos were permanently suspended from Facebook and Instagram.
The social media giant announced the suspension of the “dangerous individuals” for violating the company’s policies on hate speech and promoting violence.
“We’ve always banned individuals or organisations that promote or engage in violence and hate, regardless of ideology,” a Facebook spokesperson said. “The process for evaluating potential violators is extensive and it is what led us to our decision to remove these accounts today.”
Donald Trump Jr also responded to the purge saying: “The purposeful and calculated silencing of conservatives by Facebook and the rest of the Big Tech monopoly men should terrify everyone.
“It appears they’re taking their censorship campaign to the next level. Ask yourself, how long before they come to purge you? We must fight back,” he said.
Prominent conservative figures praised the President for responding to the latest suspensions, however, others have suggested the President needs to do more than just monitor these platforms.
“Less monitoring and more action please, Mr President,” Paul Joseph Watson said.
Tucker Carlson also weighed in, asking who’s standing up for us? “Where are our leaders in Congress? Where is the White House?”
Conservatives have called the President to do more, warning the social media giants are silencing his most effective political voices and allies just 18 months before the 2020 election.
Tucker Carlson slamming Facebook for banning Laura Loomer @PrisonPlanet Alex Jones & Milo:
“Mark Zuckerberg is not simply censoring opinions, he’s proscribing which political opinions you’re allowed to have. Which conversations all of us in this country can have about America.” pic.twitter.com/T2OM9RIdWj
— The Columbia Bugle 🇺🇸 (@ColumbiaBugle) May 4, 2019
Tucker Carlson absolutely nails it: “Keep in mind that nobody voted for Mark Zuckerberg. He’s 34 years old. He’s completely cut off from reality. He’s worth 72 billion dollars, and yet he can singlehandedly make our First Amendment irrelevant after 250 years.” pic.twitter.com/mk3hILL8kx
— The Columbia Bugle 🇺🇸 (@ColumbiaBugle) May 4, 2019
Tucker Carlson on MSM response: “Now journalists are supposed to defend free speech…but when corporate America issues an order, when Mark Zuckerberg says ‘jump,’ their question is ‘how high, Mr. Zuckerberg?’ Listen to them celebrate Mark Zuckerberg and sell you out completely.” pic.twitter.com/VrNrxtPODG
— The Columbia Bugle 🇺🇸 (@ColumbiaBugle) May 4, 2019
Tucker: “What about us? Who is standing up for us? Where are our leaders in Congress? Where is the White House? Nowhere…they’re fools…Can you really win a Presidential election if Google opposes you? No you can’t, not a chance…without free speech there is no democracy.” pic.twitter.com/rx1rzLTsym
— The Columbia Bugle 🇺🇸 (@ColumbiaBugle) May 4, 2019
President Trump has since doubled-down on his criticism, warning big tech and the Democrat Party they have no idea the problems they’re causing for themselves.
“How can it be possible that James Woods (and many others), a strong but responsible Conservative Voice, is banned from Twitter? Social Media and Fake News Media, together with their partner, the Democrat Party, have no idea the problems they are causing for themselves. VERY UNFAIR!” the President tweeted.
How can it be possible that James Woods (and many others), a strong but responsible Conservative Voice, is banned from Twitter? Social Media & Fake News Media, together with their partner, the Democrat Party, have no idea the problems they are causing for themselves. VERY UNFAIR!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 4, 2019