Musk Accused of Reddit Censorship

Reports surfaced alleging that Elon Musk intervened with Reddit CEO Steve Huffman to remove content critical of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its employees. This intervention reportedly led to the temporary suspension of the r/WhitePeopleTwitter subreddit.

The Allegations

According to multiple sources, Musk, head of DOGE, contacted Huffman requesting the removal of a specific thread on Reddit. Shortly after, the r/WhitePeopleTwitter subreddit faced a 72-hour ban, officially cited by Reddit for “violent content.”

Newsweek has not independently verified these claims. A Reddit spokesperson stated, “We take any report of Reddit policy violations seriously.” Musk was also contacted for comment.

Why It Matters

Musk has been a vocal defender of DOGE employees, many of whom he personally selected. He’s publicly condemned criticism, labeling some as “doxxing.”

Details of the Incident

The Verge reported that Musk’s communication with Huffman followed his public accusations on X (formerly Twitter), claiming some Reddit users were breaking the law by posting about DOGE employees. The Reddit thread in question was subsequently deleted.

Reddit cited “violent content” for the subreddit’s suspension but didn’t confirm if Musk’s request played a role. Musk’s history shows a commitment to less restrictive content moderation, highlighted by his acquisition of X.

Reddit User Response

The allegations sparked outrage among Reddit users, with many criticizing Musk for hypocrisy, given his advocacy for free speech. Viral posts appeared across various subreddits, including r/Fauxmoi (almost 5 million members) and r/inthenews.

Comments included: “Oh my God, if we have to be controlled by oligarchs why do they have to be so f***ing cringe?” and critiques of Musk’s approach to content moderation across different platforms.

Reddit’s Stance

In a statement to Newsweek, a Reddit spokesperson reiterated their commitment to addressing policy violations, whether reported directly or through other means.

What’s Next?

Neither Musk nor Huffman have issued detailed public statements beyond initial reports. The r/WhitePeopleTwitter subreddit has since been reinstated.

Keywords

• Elon Musk
• Reddit
• Censorship
• Social Media
• Free Speech
• Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)