Democrats And Republicans In The US Differ In Income About Elon Musk's Twitter Acquisition

Senator Ron Wyden criticized Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter. (photo: twitter @ronwyden)

JAKARTA – The leader of the Democratic Party in the US Senate, Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday, April 26 that he hoped Twitter would not become a "darker" place under Elon Musk's ownership. While many MPs are divided over the consequences of such a deal.

"In many ways, Twitter has become a dark, dark place. I hope it doesn't get any darker," Schumer told reporters when asked about Musk's purchase of the social media company.

Schumer's Republican counterpart, Senator Mitch McConnell, called Musk's takeover "an extraordinary event." "It will be interesting to see what impact this has on the way Twitter operates. But we are all watching it with great interest because there is definitely a part of our complaint about the way it has been run in the past," McConnell said, as quoted by Reuters.

If billionaires like Elon Musk can afford to scoop up media trophies for $44 billion they can afford to pay their taxes. It's time for my Billionaires Income Tax.

— Ron Wyden (@RonWyden) April 26, 2022

McConnell's remarks, which are very positive, are certainly related to the possibility of Twitter's policy of reinstating the account of former US President Donald Trump, which is still suspended due to the riots at the Capitol building, in 2020.

Many Democrats want to use the purchase to advance legislative efforts. Some Democrats say the purchases show Congress should do more to tax billionaires or impose privacy protections and other rules to rein in tech companies.

Businessman @ElonMusk purchasing Twitter is a clear win for free speech and America.

I’m excited to see Mr. Musk unlock Twitter’s full potential! https://t.co/XwONUqvrSD

— Senator Mike Braun (@SenatorBraun) April 26, 2022

Meanwhile, Republicans strongly support Musk's proposed purchase and expressed anger on Twitter for banning former Republican President Donald Trump and others.

Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren called Musk's purchase "dangerous". "Billionaires like Elon Musk play by a different set of rules than anyone else, accumulating power for their own benefit. We need a wealth tax and strong rules to hold Big Tech to account," Warren said.

Another Democrat, Ed Markey, also tweeted about the acquisition. "ElonMusk and several billionaires now have dangerous influence over the most powerful online platforms. They cannot be trusted, and self-regulation has failed. We must pass laws to protect privacy and promote algorithms. Justice for internet users, especially for children," he tweeted.

Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, who chairs the Finance Committee, also called for higher taxes for the richest Americans. "If billionaires like Elon Musk can make $44 billion in media trophies, they can pay their taxes," Wyden tweeted.

Musk has previously alluded to harsh insults to Wyden and other US Democrats on Twitter, including President Joe Biden.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz said Musk "buying Twitter is the most significant thing that has happened to free speech in decades." Republican Senator Mike Braun also wrote on Twitter, Musk "buying Twitter is a clear win for free speech and America. I'm excited to see Mr. Musk unlocking Twitter's full potential!"