The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) has decided to cease posting on the X platform, owned by Elon Musk, starting from January 20, 2025, when Donald Trump officially becomes the 47th President of the United States.
EFJ, like many other journalistic organizations across Europe, states that it can no longer ethically participate in a social media platform that has become a machine for disinformation and propaganda under Musk’s leadership. The organization expresses concerns over the threats to media freedom and democracy, particularly in light of the connection between Trump and Musk, who actively supported Trump’s political campaign.
Threat to Democracy and Free Speech
Following the US elections, EFJ recognized the danger posed by the potential alliance between Trump and Musk, who claimed that traditional media are dead and that most of them had lied to the public. These statements, coupled with Musk’s acquisition of X, led EFJ to conclude that it could no longer support the platform.
EFJ President, Maja Sever, stated, “We cannot continue participating in a social network run by a man who has declared the death of the media and, by extension, journalists.”
Rise of Disinformation and Hate on X
In its statement, EFJ emphasized that X has become a vector for spreading conspiracy theories, racism, far-right ideologies, and misogynistic rhetoric, which contradict the organization’s values. Rikardo Gutierrez, General Secretary of EFJ, added that “the editorial evolution of X since Musk’s takeover is in direct contradiction with our humanitarian values and commitment to media freedom.”
EFJ calls on all its affiliates and organizations defending freedom of expression to migrate to other platforms that better support media pluralism and the fight against hate and discrimination.
Impact of EFJ’s Decision
EFJ’s decision to leave X comes at a time when Elon Musk continues reshaping the social media platform, which has drawn widespread criticism due to the growing spread of disinformation and false information. Numerous organizations focused on media freedom and human rights have already raised concerns about the impact Musk’s X is having on media neutrality and free speech.
