Le Monde Ends Activity on Social Network X Following Concerns Over Elon Musk's Actions
The French newspaper cites Elon Musk's activism and increasing toxicity on the platform as reasons for its withdrawal.
On January 20, 2025, the French newspaper Le Monde announced its decision to cease activities on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.
The decision was made in response to the 'intensification of the activism' of the platform's owner, Elon Musk, who has recently drawn closer to former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the increasing toxicity observed in interactions on the platform.
Jérôme Fenoglio, the director of Le Monde, explained in an editorial that the utility of maintaining a presence on X is outweighed by the numerous negative side effects experienced.
He highlighted concerns that Elon Musk, who acquired X in 2022, had transformed the network into an extension of his political actions, which he described as libertarian and increasingly aligned with far-right ideologies.
This approach, according to Fenoglio, turned the platform into a tool for exerting pressure on competitors and social-democratic governments in Europe.
Fenoglio also noted that this blend of ideology and commerce has increasingly marginalized traditional media outlets like Le Monde on the platform.
As such, content sharing on X will be discontinued 'as long as it operates in this manner.' The director has advised the newspaper's journalists to adopt a similar stance.
Le Monde's withdrawal from X aligns it with other French and international media organizations, such as Ouest France, Sud Ouest, Mediapart, and La Voix du Nord, which have left the platform following Musk’s shifts.
This decision coincides with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the White House, further highlighting Musk's political alliances.
Additionally, regional newspapers L'Union and L'Ardennais also announced their departure from the platform on the same day.
The decisions from these publications come amid ongoing discussions about the future of digital public discourse, with hopes expressed that the European Union will maintain its standards for respectful and informed public debate.
The decision was made in response to the 'intensification of the activism' of the platform's owner, Elon Musk, who has recently drawn closer to former U.S. President Donald Trump, and the increasing toxicity observed in interactions on the platform.
Jérôme Fenoglio, the director of Le Monde, explained in an editorial that the utility of maintaining a presence on X is outweighed by the numerous negative side effects experienced.
He highlighted concerns that Elon Musk, who acquired X in 2022, had transformed the network into an extension of his political actions, which he described as libertarian and increasingly aligned with far-right ideologies.
This approach, according to Fenoglio, turned the platform into a tool for exerting pressure on competitors and social-democratic governments in Europe.
Fenoglio also noted that this blend of ideology and commerce has increasingly marginalized traditional media outlets like Le Monde on the platform.
As such, content sharing on X will be discontinued 'as long as it operates in this manner.' The director has advised the newspaper's journalists to adopt a similar stance.
Le Monde's withdrawal from X aligns it with other French and international media organizations, such as Ouest France, Sud Ouest, Mediapart, and La Voix du Nord, which have left the platform following Musk’s shifts.
This decision coincides with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the White House, further highlighting Musk's political alliances.
Additionally, regional newspapers L'Union and L'Ardennais also announced their departure from the platform on the same day.
The decisions from these publications come amid ongoing discussions about the future of digital public discourse, with hopes expressed that the European Union will maintain its standards for respectful and informed public debate.
