On August 12, 2024, more than three years after his ban, former US President Donald Trump returned to X, signalling a new chapter in his relationship with the platform, especially after the microblogging site was bought by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk bought it for $44 billion in October 2022. His return comes at a time of heightened political activity as the 2024 Us presidential election approaches, in which Trump is the Republican presidential nominee, raising questions about how his presence on X will influence the political given the reason that Musk himself has endorsed the businessman politician.

On August 12, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprising return to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, marking a significant moment in the ever-evolving relationship between Trump and social media. To understand the significance of his return, it’s essential to revisit the series of events that led to his initial departure from the platform.

Trump’s Extensive Use of X

Donald Trump was a prolific user of X during his presidency, utilizing the platform to bypass traditional media and communicate directly with his supporters. His posts on X often stirred controversy, as he frequently used the platform to announce policies, criticize opponents, and comment on current events in a manner that was both provocative and polarizing.

Contentious Posts and Growing Scrutiny

Throughout his presidency, Trump’s posts on X increasingly drew scrutiny. He regularly used the platform to attack political rivals, spread misinformation, and challenge the integrity of the U.S. electoral process. As his posts became more controversial, X faced mounting pressure to moderate his content, particularly in light of the platform’s policies against misinformation and violent rhetoric.

The 2020 U.S. Presidential Election

The 2020 election marked a critical period in Trump’s relationship with X. Leading up to the election, Trump repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of mail-in voting and claimed, without evidence, that the election would be “rigged.” Following the election, he continued to use X to allege widespread voter fraud, despite these claims being dismissed by courts and election officials across the country.

Post-Election Posts and Policy Violations

After the election, X began labeling many of Trump’s posts with warnings, noting that they contained disputed or misleading information about the election. This move marked a shift in the platform’s approach to Trump’s account, as it sought to curb the spread of misinformation that could potentially undermine democratic processes. 

January 6th Capitol Riot

The breaking point came on January 6, 2021, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, attempting to disrupt the certification of the Electoral College results. In the lead-up to the riot, Trump had posted incendiary messages on X, urging his followers to attend a rally in Washington, D.C., and later telling them to “fight like hell” to stop the certification. During the riot, Trump posted messages that many interpreted as supportive of the rioters, including a post that said, “These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots.”

Permanent Suspension from X

In the aftermath of the Capitol riot, X took the unprecedented step of permanently suspending Trump’s account on January 8, 2021. The platform cited the risk of further incitement to violence as the primary reason for the suspension. In a statement, X explained that after closely reviewing Trump’s recent posts and the context around them, it had determined that they were “highly likely to encourage and inspire people to replicate the criminal acts that took place at the U.S. Capitol.”

Broader Social Media Bans

Following X’s decision, other social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat also suspended or banned Trump’s accounts. These platforms cited similar concerns about the potential for violence and the spread of misinformation. The coordinated actions by multiple tech giants sparked widespread debate over free speech, censorship, and the power of social media companies to influence political discourse.