Elon Musk got into a big ‘ol Twitter fight with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, trading jabs over the billionaire’s intent to charge verified users a fee to maintain their status on the social media platform.
Musk — Twitter’s new owner — announced this week he would implement a policy charging an $8 monthly fee for users to keep their blue check badges to prove their accounts are authentic. He originally set the price at $20, but then lowered it. It’s unclear when he plans to make the $8 fee official.
This didn’t sit well with many critics and AOC, who sent out a flurry of Tweets Tuesday/Wednesday, giving Musk a piece of her mind.
“Lmao at a billionaire earnestly trying to sell people on the idea that ‘free speech’ is actually a $8/mo subscription plan,” the New York congresswoman tweeted.
AOC followed up with another zinger … “One guy’s business plan for a $44 billion over-leveraged purchase is apparently to run around and individually ask people for $8. Remember that next time you question yourself or your qualifications.”
She even complained that her Twitter notifications weren’t working properly.
Musk then got into it with her. The Tesla/SpaceX boss tweeted a photo of an AOC sweatshirt selling on her website for $58, seemingly defending his $8 subscription fee by showing she, too, is trying to monetize her business.
But, the Democratic lawmaker wasn’t having it, tweeting … “My workers are union, make a living wage, have full healthcare, and aren’t subject to racist treatment in their workplaces. Items are made in USA.”
Musk fired back … “Your feedback is appreciated, now pay $8.” AOC landed the last punch, though, declaring she had “gotten under a certain billionaire’s skin” next to a laughing emoji.
As we reported … Musk bought Twitter for a whopping $44 billion in late October. Since then, he has fired several top executives and reportedly plans to lay off half of the staff.