Ross: The real reason for Trump’s constant battle against big tech
Jul 8, 2021, 6:58 AM | Updated: 10:44 am
(Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Donald Trump is suing Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, and their CEOs, demanding that his accounts be reinstated.
He was kicked off in January for violating their terms of use. For example, Facebook specifically prohibits “any content containing statements of intent, calls for action … or advocating for violence due to voting, voter registration or the administration or outcome of an election.”
Facebook thinks that pretty much nails what Trump did on January 6.
But Trump is suing, claiming the policy is unconstitutional.
Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis just signed a law that fines Facebook and the others $250,000 a day for banning politicians, but a judge quickly issued an injunction against that law based on what turns out to be that very same First Amendment to the Constitution.
But here’s the really weird thing: Within minutes of Trump filing suit, my iPhone started displaying text messages from Trump!
Here’s the one that came at 4:55 p.m. yesterday from “President Trump: Did you watch my press conference? I filed a LAWSUIT against Facebook, Twitter & Google. 500% – IMPACT! Stand with me now!”
And there was a link to a picture of Trump climbing up the stairs of the presidential helicopter, and the caption said: “BREAKING NEWS! President Trump is filing a LAWSUIT against FACEBOOK and Twitter for UNFAIR censorship. For the next hour … Please contribute immediately to INCREASE your impact by 500% and to get your name on the Donor List President Trump Sees!”
Now I don’t quote this to complain about him asking for donations — I quote this to raise the question: How exactly can a politician who is sending two, three, four messages a day to my smartphone claim he’s being censored?
You’re almost tempted to think this is more about fundraising than free speech.
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