A key Donald Trump ally on Saturday made a statement that alarmed onlookers concerned about free speech and fair distribution of justice.
Elon Musk, the richest man in the world and the owner of social media platform X, made a comment over the weekend that was seen as opposing previous statements he has made in favor of free speech. Musk has recently found his way into Trump's new administration after serving as a surrogate for the former and incoming president on the campaign trail and donating millions to the effort to reelect him.
"There will be consequences for those who pushed foreign interference hoaxes," Musk said. "The Hammer of Justice is coming."
ALSO READ: Why Trump voters should be held accountable for their choice
The response from those on Musk's own platform came quickly.
Political commentator Brian Krassenstein responded directly to Musk, writing, "Wait, are you suggesting that people should be arrested for posting their opinions or facts that point to the likelihood of foreign interference?"
"There is no doubt that there’s foreign interference in these elections. This goes for both sides," Krassenstein added.
Artist Art Candee replied with a question: "You mean you're not gonna prosecute yourself?"
Award-winning journalist Josh Marshall also chimed in:
"Tough guy on aisle 9," he wrote.
David Santoro, the author of Treating Weapons Proliferation: An Oncological Approach to the Spread of Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Technology, said, "I’m confused: I thought the redline (which I like) regarding free speech was whether or not something is illegal. Not so anymore?"
Pekka Kallioniemi, an expert on social media and disinformation, said, "Free speech is cancelled, it's time for good old fascism!"
