In DC, Musk’s Twitter deal is either a free speech victory or fuel to tax the rich

In DC, Musk’s Twitter deal is either a free speech victory or fuel to tax the rich

Depending who you ask in Washington, D.C., Monday's news that board has and take it private either marks the return of free speech online or proof that billionaires like Musk must pay higher taxes. "Free speech is making a comeback," Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee that last week , signaling a potential probe should Republicans take back control of the chamber. "#TaxtheRich," Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wisc. Those were the two prominent themes from lawmakers on the right and left, respectively, surrounding news of the deal. The reactions highlight how differently both sides see the core issues in the tech industry, underscoring why Congress has yet to pass legislation that could seriously impact the sector, on topics including digital privacy, antitrust and content moderation. On the right, optimism about "free speech" on Twitter stems from Musk's own critiques of the platform's content moderation practices. Musk called Twitter "the digital town square" in a statement accompanying the press release of the news. At an earlier public appearance after he disclosed his offer to buy the company, Musk said he generally prefers "time-outs" to permanent bans, which suggests there could be a path for former President Donald