Twitter workers & others face a reality they’ve long feared: Elon Musk as owner

Employees and others reacted with shock and dismay on Monday as Musk’s $44 billion takeover bid went through.

Elon Musk — the world’s richest man and self-proclaimed free speech defender — just bought Twitter. But he may lose its workforce in the process.

On Twitter, in interviews and in internal company messages, workers at the San Francisco-based company — most of whom are remote — said they feared widespread demoralization and layoffs. Some employees were already looking for the exits, something that could create chaos for Twitter users in the coming months. But the heralded entrepreneur is a draw to potential recruits — he’s been able to poach top talent to both Tesla and SpaceX, and other people outside Twitter are likely to be drawn to work for him.

Tweets about the purchase carry similar messages:

If they can afford to buy Twitter, they can afford to pay their fair share in taxes. RT if you’re ready for @potus’ Billionaire Minimum Income Tax.

— Katherine Clark (@RepKClark) April 25, 2022

If you can buy a major social media platform, you can pay your fair share in taxes.

Tax. The. Rich. https://t.co/SRCAQNugIe

— Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (@RepBonnie) April 25, 2022

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