Musk's Twitter deal: White House concerned, Trump says he won't return

"I hope Elon buys Twitter because he’ll make improvements to it and he is a good man, but I am going to be staying on Truth," Trump said.

By REUTERS

APRIL 25, 2022 22:28

Updated: APRIL 25, 2022 22:56

Elon Musk's twitter account is seen on a smartphone in front of the Twitter logo in this photo illustration taken, April 15, 2022.

(photo credit: REUTERS/DADO RUVIC/ILLUSTRATION/FILE PHOTO)

The White House declined on Monday to comment on billionaire Elon Musk's deal to buy Twitter Inc TWTR.N, but said that President Joe Biden has long been concerned about the power of social media platforms.

"Our concerns are not new," said White House spokesperson Jen Psaki, adding that the platforms need to be held accountable.

"The president has long talked about his concerns about the power of social media platforms, including Twitter and others, to spread misinformation."

But she said the White House would not comment on an individual transaction.

Former US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he will not return to the social media platform Twitter even if his account is reinstated.

The Truth social network logo is seen on a smartphone in front of display of the Twitter logo in this picture illustration taken February 21, 2022. (credit: REUTERS/DADO RUVIC/ILLUSTRATION)

Trump told Fox News that he will formally join his own Truth Social startup over the next seven days, as planned.

"I am not going on Twitter, I am going to stay on Truth," Trump told Fox News. "I hope Elon buys Twitter because he’ll make improvements to it and he is a good man, but I am going to be staying on Truth," Trump said.