The US presidential campaign draws support from prominent figures across politics, the arts, and business. Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, has received endorsements from the likes of Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion, Barack and Michelle Obama, and Charli XCX, among others. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, also has a cohort of artists and influential figures backing him. Among his most powerful allies is Elon Musk.

Musk demonstrated his support for Trump by reinstating the former president's profile on X (formerly Twitter) following a ban from most social media platforms after the January 2021 Capitol attack. During that incident, Trump supporters stormed the Capitol Building, leading to the deaths of five people. Musk not only lifted the ban on Trump but also interviewed with him.

In the interview, Musk refrained from asking Trump any challenging questions, allowing the Republican candidate to feel at ease. The conversation covered a range of topics, including the attempted assassination of Trump, immigration issues, and the development of electric vehicles. The interview ran over 40 minutes late as many users experienced difficulties accessing the broadcast.

Ahead of the livestream's launch, an open letter addressed to Elon Musk, the head of X, circulated online. The letter was penned by Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner for Internal Market. In it, Breton reminded the American entrepreneur of his obligation to comply with EU regulations prohibiting the promotion of hate speech, even in instances such as his interview with Donald Trump.

Breton emphasised that Musk has a "legal obligation" to take all necessary measures to limit the spread of harmful content on the platform he oversees. He cautioned that "any negative effect of illegal content" could prompt the EU to take further action against X. To that end, Breton stated that he would fully utilise "our toolbox, including the adoption of interim measures, should it be warranted to protect EU citizens from serious harm."

Musk cannot expect favourable treatment from EU officials. In July, the EU accused X of failing to comply with Europe's social media regulations, leaving the company facing the threat of a substantial financial penalty.

Breton's letter must also be viewed in the context of the recent race riots that erupted across the UK, where X played a significant role. The platform was inundated with false claims that the British government was planning to detain protesters in camps.

Musk did not ignore Breton's appeal. In response, the head of X posted a vulgar meme, blatantly mocking the EU's stance.

Sources: Politico/Euronews/X