Elon Musk claims he purchased Twitter to protect “free speech,” but his plan to charge users a fee for a blue check smacks of hypocrisy, which Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) called him out for on Wednesday.
Musk has already made several changes since making the $44 billion purchase of the social media giant, including a change that would charge users a monthly fee to receive a blue check that has been coveted by people and organizations to authenticate their accounts.
The initial price Musk proposed was $20 per month, but after mass criticism, especially from horror author Stephen King, Musk dropped the price to $8, arguing that he needs a way to pay the bills after overspending on the platform and losing an additional $8 billion ever since.
On Wednesday, AOC chimed in on Musk’s proposed fee by pointing out that charging people monthly isn’t “free speech.”
Lmao at a billionaire earnestly trying to sell people on the idea that “free speech” is actually a $8/mo subscription plan
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 2, 2022
After Musk retaliated by pointing out the cost of clothing on her campaign website, AOC fired back and took shots at Musk’s anti-union views.
Proud of this and always will be.
My workers are union, make a living wage, have full healthcare, and aren’t subject to racist treatment in their workplaces. Items are made in USA.
Team AOC honors and respects working people. You should try it sometime instead of union-busting. https://t.co/TCOh3IHXlF
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 3, 2022
Ocasio-Cortez also trolled Musk for being annoyed by her criticism.
Also my twitter mentions/notifications conveniently aren’t working tonight, so I was informed via text that I seem to have gotten under a certain billionaire’s skin 😂
Just a reminder that money will never by your way out of insecurity, folks.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 3, 2022
One guy’s business plan for a $44 billion over-leveraged purchase is apparently to run around and individually ask people for $8.
Remember that next time you question yourself or your qualifications.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 3, 2022
Finally, she questioned if Musk retaliated against her by preventing her from accessing her account.
Yo @elonmusk while I have your attention, why should people pay $8 just for their app to get bricked when they say something you don’t like?
This is what my app has looked like ever since my tweet upset you yesterday. What’s good? Doesn’t seem very free speechy to me 🤔 pic.twitter.com/e3hcZ7T9up
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) November 3, 2022
Once again, Elon Musk attacked AOC and ended up being humiliated.
Featured Image: Wikimedia Commons
