Additional Coverage:
- X reinstates ‘White Dudes for Harris’ account after backlash for suspension following $4m fundraiser (newsbreak.com)
Elon Musk’s social media platform X recently restored the account of “White Dudes for Harris” following a temporary suspension that caused public outrage. The account, which boasts nearly 100,000 followers and comprises white male supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris, announced its reinstatement on Tuesday, confirming it is unaffiliated with the Harris campaign.
Upon returning to X, “White dudes for Harris” expressed gratitude in a Tuesday post: “WE ARE SO BACK! Thanks to a massive movement of grassroots complaints directed at @ElonMusk from our community, our account is back, and we can post again. Thanks for supporting and continuing the discussion in our absence.”
Additionally, Mike Nellis, one of the group’s organizers, shared his appreciation on his personal account for the support that pressured Musk and X, “Thanks to everyone for your likes, comments, shares, DMs, and other actions that influenced @ElonMusk and X.”
The account was initially suspended on Monday night after a significant Zoom call, which saw close to 200,000 Democrats, including celebrities and potential vice-presidential candidates, raising $4 million in support of Harris’s presidential campaign. The organizers and other X users suggested that Musk, a Donald Trump supporter, might have had personal motives for the suspension.
In response, Nellis humorously pondered whether they were the “first white dudes” to be suspended by Musk’s platform, expressing suspicion about Musk’s motives, given their group’s growing influence.
This suspension led to an increase in donations as more people reacted online. One commenter foresaw a rise in contributions, asserting, “This is only gonna increase donations.”
Historian Timothy Synder also responded by doubling his contribution following the suspension, criticizing Musk’s actions, “Musk suspended the Twitter account of White Dudes for Harris. I don’t think South African billionaires should hinder Americans organizing for democracy. So, I am doubling my donation.”
Other X users critiqued Musk, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in his stance on free speech. Remarks include criticisms of Musk’s selective endorsement of free speech principles, particularly when they potentially conflict with Trump’s re-election efforts.
The Independent has contacted X for further comments on the incident.