EU warns Elon Musk of hate speech consequences ahead of Trump interview on X

The European Union's digital enforcement arm warned Elon Musk that drastic action might be necessary if hate speech was broadcast during a scheduled interview with former President Donald Trump on Monday.

In a letter posted to X, Europe's Digital Commissioner Thierry Breton told Musk that his upcoming interview with Trump had raised alarms.

"I am writing to you in the context of recent events in the United Kingdom and in relation to the planned broadcast on your platform X of a live conversation between a US presidential candidate and yourself, which will also be accessible to users in the EU," Breton began.

Musk's obligation "notably means ensuring, on one hand, that freedom of expression and of information, including media freedom and pluralism, are effectively protected and, on the other hand, that all proportionate and effective mitigation measures are put in place regarding the amplification of harmful content in connection with relevant events," the letter said.

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Breton warned that EU regulators would respond to “any negative effect of illegal content” by using "our full toolbox, including by adopting interim measures, should it be warranted to protect EU citizens from harm."

Trump has had very little presence on X after he was suspended following the riots at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Musk later reinstated Trump's account after buying the platform.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) called the EU's letter to Musk "utterly insane."