The world of politics, media, and big tech collided in a jaw-dropping moment when a Fox News reporter confronted Elon Musk about X (formerly Twitter) agreeing to pay Donald Trump $10 million. The exchange, which unfolded during an interview with Sean Hannity, caught Musk visibly off guard, sparking a wave of reactions online.
This settlement, which follows a lawsuit over Trump’s ban from Twitter in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot, raises serious questions about free speech, social media power, and political influence. Let’s break it all down.
The $10 Million Settlement: What Happened?
Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter in 2022 led to several changes, including the reinstatement of Trump’s account. However, before Musk took over, Trump had filed a lawsuit against Twitter and its former CEO, Jack Dorsey, over his permanent suspension from the platform.
Initially, Trump considered dropping the lawsuit, especially after Musk made a massive $250 million donation to support his 2024 presidential campaign. But despite their strong relationship, Trump chose to push forward with legal action against the platform—now known as X.
The lawsuit culminated in a $10 million settlement, a sum Trump later criticized as being far lower than what he had expected.
Fox News Confronts Musk: A Cringe-Worthy Moment
During a pre-taped interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Trump openly voiced his disappointment with the settlement. Sitting right next to Musk, he stated:
“It’s very low. I was looking to get much more money than that.”
Hannity then turned to Musk, putting him on the spot with a direct question about the payout.
Musk, who seemed momentarily caught off guard, responded:
“I left it up to the lawyers and the team running Twitter.”
This awkward moment quickly went viral, with critics and supporters dissecting Musk’s reaction. Was he distancing himself from the decision? Or was he genuinely surprised that the issue was brought up on national television?
Why Did Trump Sue X in the First Place?
The origins of Trump’s lawsuit date back to January 8, 2021, when Twitter permanently banned him, citing the risk of further incitement of violence following the Capitol riot.
Leading up to that moment, Trump had used his Twitter account to push baseless claims of election fraud and encourage his supporters to rally in Washington, D.C. on January 6. His posts included:
- “Get smart Republicans. FIGHT!”
- “THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, OUR COUNTRY, NEEDS THE PRESIDENCY MORE THAN EVER BEFORE – THE POWER OF THE VETO. STAY STRONG!”
- “Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 election… Be there, will be wild!”
As rioters stormed the Capitol, Trump tweeted a message urging them to “stay peaceful,” but critics argue that his rhetoric leading up to the event fueled the violence.
Feeling that his ban was unjust, Trump sued Twitter, accusing the platform of violating his First Amendment rights and acting as a “state actor” under government pressure.
How Musk’s Twitter Takeover Changed the Game
Everything changed when Elon Musk bought Twitter in October 2022. Known for his strong stance on free speech, Musk quickly reinstated Trump’s account, allowing the former president back onto the platform he once dominated.
However, the lawsuit Trump filed before Musk’s acquisition was still active. Rather than drag the case through lengthy court battles, Musk and his legal team opted for a settlement.
Big Tech’s Battle with Trump Continues
The $10 million payout from X isn’t the only legal battle Trump has taken on with social media giants.
- Meta (Facebook & Instagram): Last month, Meta agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit over Trump’s suspension from its platforms.
- Google (YouTube): Trump’s legal team is actively pursuing a settlement with Google, another federal contractor, for banning him in January 2021.
Each of these cases is part of a broader conservative effort to challenge what many on the right see as unfair censorship by Silicon Valley.
Political Implications: Musk and Trump’s Alliance
Despite this lawsuit, Musk and Trump’s relationship remains strong. Trump even appointed Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, a newly created role aimed at cutting federal bureaucracy and spending.
Musk’s massive $250 million donation to Trump’s 2024 campaign only reinforces their alliance. However, their recent awkward moment on Fox News suggests that even strong allies can have their uncomfortable differences.
Final Thoughts: A Settlement with a Side of Controversy
The $10 million settlement between X and Trump is about more than just money. It highlights the ongoing power struggle between social media platforms and political figures, the role of free speech in the digital age, and the evolving relationship between Trump and Musk.
The Fox News interview added an unexpected layer of drama, exposing potential tensions between the two billionaires. While Musk’s reaction to Hannity’s question may have been a moment of genuine surprise, it also raised speculation about how much control he really has over X’s legal decisions.
One thing is clear: The battle between Trump and Big Tech is far from over. And as 2024 looms, the stakes have never been higher.
