Reddit cracks down on content targeting Musk

Reddit temporarily suspended a popular subreddit and permanently removed another following allegations by Elon Musk that users were engaging in illegal behavior targeting his employees.

The subreddit r/WhitePeopleTwitter, known for sharing humorous posts from X, has been issued a 72-hour ban after some users made violent remarks directed at members of Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The comments were made in response to reports suggesting that certain DOGE staff had been granted access to sensitive personal data of millions of Americans.

Musk, a vocal advocate of free speech, took to X to share some of the comments in question, asserting, "they have broken the law." Shortly after, Reddit imposed a temporary suspension on the subreddit.

They have broken the law. https://t.co/KupH9lTOv9

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 3, 2025

While Reddit has not directly commented on Musk’s allegations, the platform referred to a public post addressing the decision.

"Over the last few days, we've seen an increase in content in several communities that violate Reddit Rules," the statement read. "Debate and dissent are welcome on Reddit – threats and doxing are not."

Taking action on rule-violating content
byu/reddit inRedditSafety

Musk has previously expressed opposition to legal action against individuals over online speech. In 2024, he reacted to a video showing a person allegedly arrested for offensive online remarks by questioning, "Is this Britain or the Soviet Union?"

Arrested for making comments on Facebook!

Is this Britain or the Soviet Union?

Is this accurate @CommunityNotes? https://t.co/ov7lKEUl2C

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 6, 2024

The incident marks the latest in a series of escalating tensions between Musk and Reddit users. In recent weeks, over 100 subreddits have prohibited links to X in protest of a controversial gesture made by Musk at a rally celebrating Donald Trump’s return to office.

During the rally, Musk extended his arm straight twice while addressing the crowd. Critics, including some historians, argued the gesture resembled a Nazi salute, while Musk dismissed the comparison as "tired" and "dirty tricks."

Read more: VIDEO: Elon Musk performs Nazi salute at Trump's inauguration

Although moderators of r/WhitePeopleTwitter attempted to remove the flagged comments after they gained attention, the actions were not sufficient to prevent the temporary ban. Users attempting to access the subreddit now see a message stating it has been "temporarily banned due to a prevalence of violent content."

"Inciting and glorifying violence or doxing are against Reddit's platform-wide rules," the message states, clarifying that the subreddit is set to be reinstated in 72 hours.

Additionally, Reddit has permanently banned the subreddit r/IsElonDeadYet, which featured near-daily posts noting that Musk was still alive.

The controversy follows reports that the DOGE, while not an official government department, has been tasked with drastically cutting federal regulations and spending. US media sources have suggested that Musk’s team was granted access to the federal payments system, which oversees the flow of trillions of dollars in government funds annually.

The revelation has sparked intense criticism, with DOGE employees' names circulating online. The subsequent backlash has led to accusations of targeted harassment.

In what appears to be a further escalation, a Trump-appointed prosecutor has announced an FBI investigation into alleged threats against DOGE staff.

"Our initial review of the evidence presented to us indicates that certain individuals and/or groups have committed acts that appear to violate the law in targeting DOGE employees," stated Edward Martin, US Attorney for the District of Columbia.

In a letter addressed to Musk and shared on X, Martin asserted his commitment to protecting DOGE workers.

"Any threats, confrontations, or other actions in any way that impact their work may break numerous laws," he wrote. "We will pursue any and all legal action against anyone who impedes your work or threatens your people."