President Donald Trump woke up in a foul mood Saturday morning, and he immediately began threatening four internet and social media giants, claiming that his administration was “working to remedy” what he referred to as an “illegal situation.”
Trump’s tweet linked to a speech given recently by right-wing blogger Michelle Malkin:
The Radical Left is in total command & control of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Google. The Administration is working to remedy this illegal situation. Stay tuned, and send names & events. Thank you Michelle! https://t.co/ZQfcfD3Hk9
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 16, 2020
It was unclear if the president was alluding to a report on Friday that the federal government will begin antitrust action against Google’s parent company. Such a move, according to Politico, could come as soon as this summer:
“The Justice Department and a coalition of state attorneys general are taking steps toward bringing antitrust suits against Google as soon as this summer, three people familiar with the cases said Friday, describing the litigation as likely.
“The suits would make the search and advertising giant the first huge tech company to face concrete action from more than a year of probes, which have also swept up Facebook, Amazon and Apple as possible targets.”
Conservatives have repeatedly claimed that internet companies and social media platforms discriminate against those on the right side of the political spectrum, but have failed to provide any concrete evidence of discrimination against them.
Twitter users quickly responded to Trump’s threats:
Hey #Trump…that you think, during a deadly #pandemic and historic economic crisis, you should be spending your time threatening to bust up ‘liberal owned’ businesses further demonstrates why you and Repubs are gonna lose in a hugelandslide come November. Keep being you…
— Andy Ostroy (@AndyOstroy) May 16, 2020
If you don’t like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Google, don’t use them. They are not owned or controlled by the government, they are not your personal propaganda machines (well, they’re not supposed to be).
— Socially Distant Dawn (@viewsfordays) May 16, 2020
All these companies are private companies therefore they are allowed to take down content they deem inappropriate. She is not being punished by the govt – huge difference
— Deborah Kay (@beedl70) May 16, 2020
Funny how nobody is forced to use any of those.
— Peggy Morrison (@lemongrovepeggy) May 16, 2020
Yes, that whole “freedom of speech” thing is pretty annoying, isn’t it? ?
— @Gordon_Shumway (@GordonS75916012) May 16, 2020
Here’s a thought: If Trump and his followers hate Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google, and other internet companies, they should refuse to use them and start their own social media platforms. Otherwise they should sit down and shut the hell up.
Featured Image Via NBC News
