David Bridges
Reddit has taken action against the subreddit r/WhitePeopleTwitter by imposing a temporary ban following a complaint from Elon Musk. The community is displayed with a notification from Reddit stating that it will remain banned for 72 hours due to “a prevalence of violent content.” This decisive step underscores Reddit’s commitment to maintaining a safe space for users.
This popular subreddit is renowned for sharing humorous tweets and memes sourced from X. Recently, an account called “Reddit Lies” shared content from r/WhitePeopleTwitter, where users engaged in discussions about individuals associated with Musk, who have allegedly played pivotal roles in the takeover of technical systems within the federal government. This incident highlights the intersection of social media and political discourse.
A spokesperson for Reddit confirmed the ban on r/WhitePeopleTwitter, elaborating that the subreddit was temporarily restricted due to the prevalence of violent content. “Inciting and glorifying violence or doxing are against Reddit’s platform-wide Rules,” the spokesperson stated. The subreddit will reopen in 72 hours, during which Reddit aims to assist moderators and provide resources to ensure the platform remains a healthy environment for discussion and debate. In addition, Reddit has permanently banned another subreddit, r/IsElonDeadYet, for similar violations of its community guidelines regarding violent content.
Elon Musk, in his capacity as the head of DOGE, has reportedly engaged with federal agencies, attempting to exert control over their systems. This includes the installation of a server at the US Office of Personnel Management. Reports indicate that a team of young engineers has been assisting Musk in these endeavors. Their involvement has sparked considerable online speculation, especially concerning their contributions to the restructuring of systems within the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and beyond.
Musk has publicly accused users of posting the identities of his DOGE associates on X of illegal activities, clarifying that such actions are not inherently criminal. In response to comments shared from r/WhitePeopleTwitter by the account Reddit Lies, Musk claimed, “they have broken the law.” While Engadget was unable to verify these claims, the discussions included alarming statements like “time to hunt” and “this nazi stooge needs to be shot,” raising serious concerns about the nature of discourse surrounding Musk and his associates.
In a formal communication addressed to Musk, interim US Attorney Ed Martin expressed his readiness to assist in safeguarding the DOGE operations from potential threats. “We will not tolerate threats against DOGE workers or any unlawful actions by disgruntled individuals,” he emphasized. He warned that any threats or confrontations that could impact their work may violate multiple laws, highlighting the serious implications of such behavior.
The Reddit community has shown increasing frustration towards Musk, who was once regarded as a prominent figure on the platform. Last month, several subreddits united in protest following Musk’s controversial speech at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, during which he made an apparent Nazi salute. This incident has further fueled the discontent among users, raising questions about Musk’s influence and the reactions of online communities.
If you have insights about Reddit or wish to share any other information, feel free to reach out via email at karissa.bell [at] engadget.com or securely message on Signal at karissabe.51.
Brandon Fletcher
Ethan Carter
