Twitter Flags Trump Tweet Over Glorification of Violence
Twitter places a public interest notice on a tweet from President Trump regarding the Minneapolis protests, citing a violation of rules against glorifying violence. The social media platform restricts engagement with the post while keeping it visible due to its public importance.
Twitter applies a public interest notice to a tweet from President Donald Trump, stating that it violates the platform's rules against glorifying violence. The flagged tweet contains a warning to Minneapolis protesters, notably featuring the phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts." Twitter explains that it restricts engagement to prevent others from being inspired to commit violent acts.
The social media company hides the post behind a warning label, meaning users can still view and quote-tweet it but cannot like, reply, or directly retweet it. Twitter clarifies that it leaves the content accessible because of its ongoing relevance to matters of public importance. The controversial tweet emerges as a response to the chaotic protests and riots following the death of George Floyd in police custody.
Protests in Minneapolis escalate into rioting on the third night, resulting in a fire at the city's 3rd Precinct police station. Trump issues the tweets blaming the city's mayor for the unrest and threatening to deploy the National Guard or assume military control to restore order. Twitter specifically takes issue with the historical context of the violent language used in the final line of the president's message.