President Trump met with Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey at the White House on Tuesday hours after the commander in chief escalated his criticism of the social media platform that helped fuel his rise in politics.
“Great meeting this afternoon at the [White House] with [Dorsey] from [Twitter]. Lots of subjects discussed regarding their platform, and the world of social media in general. Look forward to keeping an open dialogue!”, Trump tweeted after the meeting.
Great meeting this afternoon at the @WhiteHouse with @Jack from @Twitter. Lots of subjects discussed regarding their platform, and the world of social media in general. Look forward to keeping an open dialogue! pic.twitter.com/QnZi579eFb
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 23, 2019
Earlier in the day, Trump condemned Twitter, via tweet, accusing the company of targeting conservatives and implementing policies to deliberately stifle Trump supporters.
“The best thing ever to happen to Twitter is Donald Trump.” @MariaBartiromo So true, but they don’t treat me well as a Republican. Very discriminatory, hard for people to sign on. Constantly taking people off list. Big complaints from many people. Different names-over 100 M…..,” he tweeted.
“The best thing ever to happen to Twitter is Donald Trump.” @MariaBartiromo So true, but they don’t treat me well as a Republican. Very discriminatory, hard for people to sign on. Constantly taking people off list. Big complaints from many people. Different names-over 100 M…..
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 23, 2019
“…..But should be much higher than that if Twitter wasn’t playing their political games,” he added.” No wonder Congress wants to get involved – and they should. Must be more, and fairer, companies to get out the WORD!”
…..But should be much higher than that if Twitter wasn’t playing their political games. No wonder Congress wants to get involved – and they should. Must be more, and fairer, companies to get out the WORD!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 23, 2019
Trump has more than 59 million followers on Twitter.
In an internal Twitter email exchange obtained by Vice by two anonymous sources, Dorsey said he would be accepting the White House’s invitation despite the public criticism from the president.
“As you know, I believe that conversation, not silence, bridges gaps and drives towards solutions,” Dorsey wrote. “I have met with every world leader who has extended an invitation to me, and I believe the discussions have been productive, and the outcomes meaningful.”
Vijaya Gadde, who serves as Twitter’s global lead for legal, policy, and trust and safety, said in the email chain the meeting would be about “the health of the public conversation on Twitter.”
