(Corine Gatti, Headline USA) The GOP-led House Weaponization Subcommittee found new information on Thursday that suggested the Federal Trade Commission was targeting Elon Musk‘s Twitter.
The Gateway Pundit reported the FTC set its sights on Musk in May 2022 during the anticipation and acquisition of the company. At that time, Musk was facing FTC scrutiny over his initial Twitter stock purchase for possible failure to report to antitrust regulators, noted The Information. However, his $44 billion purchase of the social media platform was not under review for antitrust concerns.
The House Judiciary Committee on Weaponization said the FTC took action against Twitter in May 2022 as a result of Elon Musk’s anticipated acquisition of the company, stating that “This information only reinforces the Committee’s concerns about the FTC’s actions and underscores the need for relevant documents to inform potential legislative reforms.”
House Judiciary Chair Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, subpoenaed the FTC in April over their actions against Elon Musk’s Twitter. Jordan suggested the timing and frequency of the FTC’s demands on Twitter suggested a partisan motivation for their actions.
“The FTC is doing so consistent with the approach that partisan actors and interest groups have urged it to do: misusing a revised consent decree between the FTC and Twitter to justify its campaign of harassment,” Jordan said.
🚨 #BREAKING: Weaponization Committee Uncovers New Information Suggesting the FTC is Targeting @elonmusk's Twitter pic.twitter.com/wCacypz2ZG
— Weaponization Committee (@Weaponization) June 8, 2023
In his letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan on Thursday, Jordan criticized the FTC for its abuse of authority in investigating Twitter. and not submitting subpoenaed documents. The FTC was also accused of harassing Musk’s Twitter and suggested a partisan motivation for their actions based on the timing, scope and frequency of demands.
The FTC’s claimed their refusal to provide subpoenaed documents was due to a pending investigation into Twitter. The FTC has until June 22 to provide relevant documents regarding Elon Musk’s Twitter.
This is “not a valid basis for your refusal to comply with a Congressional subpoena,” the Committee said on Thursday.
