Twitter flags Trump tweet for ‘glorifying violence’

Twitter on Friday put a warning on a tweet from President Trump, saying it violates the platform’s rules against glorifying violence.

Early Friday morning, Trump tweeted about the protests in Minneapolis over the police killing of George Floyd, saying, “These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won’t let that happen” while saying that he could order military action if the protests continue.

The president ended the tweet with, “Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!”

Twitter Communications said that the early morning post “violates our policies regarding the glorification of violence based on the historical context of the last line, its connection to violence, and the risk it could inspire similar actions today.”

“We’ve taken action in the interest of preventing others from being inspired to commit violent acts, but have kept the Tweet on Twitter because it is important that the public still be able to see the Tweet given its relevance to ongoing matters of public importance,” the communications team continued.

Engagements on Trump’s post will be limited due to the public interest warning, the social media platform said. Users will be able to retweet with a comment but will not be able to reply, like or retweet without a comment.

Trump also tore into the demonstrations with the pair of tweets shortly after midnight.

“I can’t stand back & watch this happen to a great American City, Minneapolis. A total lack of leadership,” Trump wrote. “Either the very weak Radical Left Mayor, Jacob Frey, get his act together and bring the City under control, or I will send in the National Guard & get the job done right.”

Twitter also placed a warning on a tweet from the official White House account Friday that mirrored Trump’s.