The Guardian, one of the UK’s most prominent and influential newspapers, has decided to end its presence on X (formerly Twitter), marking a significant shift in the media landscape. In a statement to its readers, the newspaper explained that it could no longer justify its participation on the platform, which it now describes as a “toxic media platform.”
This decision comes after months of growing concerns over the direction X has taken under the ownership of tech billionaire Elon Musk. The newspaper’s editorial team expressed particular alarm over Musk’s influence on the platform’s political discourse, especially in the lead-up to the 2024 US presidential election.
“The US presidential election has only underlined our concerns that Mr. Musk is using the platform to shape political conversations to his advantage,” The Guardian stated in its message to readers. The newspaper has long been a vocal critic of Musk’s political leanings and his alignment with former President Donald Trump, whose influence on X continues to grow.
Musk’s Political Influence on X: A Flashpoint for Controversy
Elon Musk’s acquisition of X in 2022 was met with a great deal of skepticism, particularly regarding the platform’s future as a space for free speech. However, as the billionaire’s political affiliations have become clearer—especially his vocal support for Trump—the platform’s role in shaping public discourse has come under intense scrutiny.
Musk’s critics argue that X is now being used as a tool to amplify far-right voices and controversial political views. The Guardian’s decision to leave the platform is based on its growing concern that X is becoming a breeding ground for harmful content, including conspiracy theories, racism, and extremist ideologies.
Although Musk himself has denied accusations of political bias, his active support for Trump and his ongoing efforts to reduce the influence of content moderation on X have raised alarms for media outlets, including The Guardian. Musk’s critics fear that under his leadership, X has evolved into a platform where misinformation and polarizing rhetoric thrive.
Reaction from X Users: Vitriol and Criticism
As expected, the reaction to The Guardian’s departure from X has been swift and fierce. Many users, particularly those who pay for verified status on the platform, accused the newspaper of promoting “woke propaganda” and engaging in “virtue signaling.” These reactions underscore the deeply polarized nature of conversations on X, with many users expressing disillusionment with mainstream media outlets that have raised concerns about the platform’s direction.
Despite the backlash, The Guardian emphasized that it would still allow users to share its articles on X and would likely continue to embed X posts within its coverage of global events. However, the newspaper’s broader withdrawal signals a shift in how major media outlets view their role on the platform.