Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi fired back at Texas Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett after the lawmaker made heated remarks suggesting that tech billionaire Elon Musk should be “taken down.” The exchange erupted following Crockett’s comments during a recent MSNBC interview, where she accused Musk of influencing elections and undermining democracy through his platform, X, formerly known as Twitter.
Crockett’s statement stirred immediate backlash, with Bondi warning that such rhetoric from an elected official is both reckless and dangerous. She stressed that targeting a private citizen like Musk over political disagreements sets a troubling precedent. According to Bondi, Crockett’s words not only raised legal concerns but also reflected a growing hostility toward those who refuse to align with certain political narratives.
Bondi argued that Musk’s ownership of X and his promotion of free speech have made him a target for political attacks. She emphasized that no government official should ever call for the downfall of a private individual simply for holding opposing views. In her response, Bondi underlined the importance of protecting free speech rights, particularly when it involves powerful figures who have platforms that challenge mainstream narratives.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Musk and some Democratic lawmakers over the social media platform’s handling of political content and alleged misinformation. Crockett doubled down on her accusations, insisting that Musk’s control of X has made him too powerful and influential in shaping public opinion and political discourse.
Bondi, however, maintained that Crockett’s attack crossed the line, warning that such comments could have serious legal and ethical implications. She called on members of Congress to uphold their oath to defend the Constitution rather than threaten citizens who exercise their rights.
The clash between Bondi and Crockett adds to the growing debate over free speech, censorship, and the role of social media in American politics as the 2024 presidential election draws near.