Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tulsi Gabbard announces partnership with X to ‘defend free speech’

Former congresswoman from Hawaii left Democratic party amid ‘wokeness’ claim

Graeme Massie
Los Angeles
Wednesday 10 January 2024 21:15 GMT
Comments
Related video: Tulsi Gabbard announces she cannot stay in ‘Today’s Democratic Party’

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Democratic lawmaker Tulsi Gabbard has inked a deal with Elon Musk for a show on X to “defend free speech.”

Ms Gabbard, a former congresswoman from Hawaii, ran for president in 2020 before leaving the party, which she says is “under the complete control of an elitist cabal of warmongers driven by cowardly wokeness,”

Her new show was announced by X, along with those for former CNN host Don Lemon and sports radio veteran Jim Rome.

“Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in America. Sadly we live in a time where debate, dialogue and dissent can be cause for cancellation and censorship by those in power. To defend free speech, we must use it,” Ms Gabbard said in a video announcement.

She added:  “We will be bringing you stories & news about the truth of what’s happening in our country and world but that those in power don’t what you hear, and a series of short films that share the stories of those most impacted, but whose voices are silenced.”

Her announcement about free speech came as the platform temporarily suspended the accounts of at least eight journalists, podcast hosts and critics.

After an outcry on X, the accounts were restored within hours with Mr Musk claiming it had been accidentally caused by a sweep for spam and scam accounts.

“We do sweeps for spam/scam accounts and sometimes real accounts get caught up in them,” he wrote.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in