Musk purchased 9.2 percent of Twitter stocks—after his complaints against the social media platform.
On Monday, Elon Musk became Twitter’s largest shareholder after purchasing 9.2 percent of its stock.
Although the Tesla CEO did not confirm how much he paid, according to the close of last Friday’s trading day, his stake is worth $2.9 billion. When news broke of Musk’s investment, Twitter shares spiked 22 percent, and his shares are now worth $3.5 billion.
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Musk is one of Twitter’s most prominent active users, with 80.4 million followers as of writing—and he’s also one of its outspoken critics.
Last month, he sent out a tweet asking followers if they think Twitter really permits “free speech.”
Wanting change
In response, a user asked him if he’d be willing to build a new social media platform. “One that would consist of [an open] source algorithm, one where free speech and adhering to free speech is given top priority, one where propaganda is very minimal,” he wrote. “I think that kind of a platform is needed.”
Would you consider building a new social media platform, @elonmusk? One that would consist an open source algorithm, one where free speech and adhering to free speech is given top priority, one where propaganda is very minimal. I think that kind of a platform is needed.
— Pranay Pathole (@PPathole) March 26, 2022
Musk replied that he was giving “serious thought” to the idea. It seems, instead, the world’s richest man, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, became Twitter’s biggest shareholder to make changes.
But given his $287.6 billion net worth, is this just the beginning of Musk’s plan to take over the platform completely?
Musk’s qualms on Twitter’s policies came after the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)—the agency against market manipulation—monitored his posts.
Moving markets
In 2018, the SEC ordered the tech giant to submit to “increased oversight” before posting tweets about his companies so as not to mislead investors.
This is because Musk’s tweets can move stock markets.
Given that Twitter serves as the de facto public town square, failing to adhere to free speech principles fundamentally undermines democracy.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 26, 2022
What should be done? https://t.co/aPS9ycji37
Also in 2018, Tesla shares closed up almost 11 percent when Musk tweeted he was considering taking the company private during market hours. In 2020, cryptocurrency Dogecoin’s stock soared after he tweeted, “One word: Doge.”
Last year, when he added “#bitcoin” to his Twitter bio, it drove a 14 percent increase in the cryptocurrency.
Do you want an edit button?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 5, 2022
“We would expect this passive stake as just the start of broader conversations with the Twitter board/management that could ultimately lead to an active stake; more aggressive ownership role of Twitter,” analyst Dan Ives of investment firm Wedbush posted.
Earlier today, knowing the public knew about his new investment, the 50-year-old cheekily asked if they wanted an edit option for published tweets.
Banner photo from @elon__.musk on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Musk bought 9.2 percent of Twitter’s stock, making him its largest shareholder. He did not confirm the price; the stake was worth $2.9 billion at Friday’s close, then $3.5 billion.
Twitter shares spiked 22 percent when news of Musk’s investment broke. Dan Ives of Wedbush said the passive stake could start broader talks that could lead to an active stake.
Musk, an outspoken Twitter critic, tweeted in March questioning whether the platform truly permits free speech. He said he was giving “serious thought” to building a new social media platform.
In 2018, the SEC ordered Musk to submit to increased oversight before tweeting about his companies. His tweets move markets: Tesla rose almost 11 percent and bitcoin gained 14 percent.
After news of his stake spread, the 50-year-old Musk asked his followers whether they wanted an edit button for tweets. He had 80.4 million followers at the time of writing.
