 "Musk’s X, once celebrated as a haven for free speech, now finds itself in the crosshairs of its own supporters. Image Credit: Reuters")
A brewing debate about H-1B visas has taken a messy turn on X (formerly Twitter), with some MAGA-aligned figures claiming their verification badges vanished after they criticised Elon Musk’s views on the matter. What started as a policy discussion about foreign skilled workers has now escalated into accusations of censorship, stirring up tensions within Trump’s base.
The drama kicked off when Musk defended H-1B visas, arguing that America needs more highly skilled workers. This didn’t sit well with some conservatives, who see the programme as a threat to American jobs. Vocal critics like Laura Loomer, Gavin Wax, and Owen Shroyer claim their verification badges were yanked shortly after they called out Musk and his ally, Vivek Ramaswamy, for their stance on immigration.
Claims of Censorship
Loomer didn’t hold back, saying her account was being “fully censored” because she criticised Musk’s support for H-1B visas. She called it “anti-American behaviour” from tech oligarchs. Wax and Shroyer chimed in with similar complaints, suggesting their badges were removed as punishment for speaking out.
While the timing is interesting, it’s hard to prove if their accounts were intentionally targeted. Still, the claims tap into a familiar narrative among conservatives who believe social media platforms stifle their voices. Musk’s X, once celebrated as a haven for free speech, now finds itself in the crosshairs of its own supporters.
Musk’s Take on Moderation
Musk hasn’t directly addressed these accusations, but he has been vocal about X’s moderation policies. Recently, he explained that the platform’s algorithm reduces the reach of accounts that get more blocks or mutes than likes. He also warned that accounts engaging in spammy behaviour could be flagged as such.
This isn’t Musk’s first brush with controversy over moderation. In the past, he’s removed verification badges from organisations like The New York Times and even suspended journalists for what he described as policy violations. For someone who champions free speech, Musk’s approach to moderation has raised eyebrows.
A divide over H-1B Visas
The rift really widened over Musk’s defence of H-1B visas. He argued they’re crucial for bringing in talented engineers, but not everyone agrees. Loomer’s criticisms quickly spiralled into inflammatory remarks about Indian culture, further fanning the flames. While some MAGA figures have backed her, Musk brushed off her comments as attention-seeking noise.
This whole saga underscores the tricky balance Musk is trying to strike on X. It also highlights cracks within Trump’s base, as debates over immigration and tech reveal deeper divisions. Whether the claims about censorship hold up or not, this latest spat shows just how messy the intersection of politics and social media can get.