SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Elon Musk has announced that X Corp will donate all revenue generated by the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, from advertising and subscriptions linked to the war in Gaza to hospitals in Israel as well as to the Red Cross in Gaza, through a tweet on the platform.
According to CBS News, the move comes as Musk is facing growing backlash for expressing his support of an antisemitic post on X.
“X Corp will be donating all revenue from advertising & subscriptions associated with the war in Gaza to hospitals in Israel and the Red Cross/Crescent in Gaza,” tweeted the billionaire.
When a user asked how he plans to keep the money away from Hamas, Musk replied, “We will track how funds are spent and go through Red Cross/Crescent. Better ideas are welcome. We should care about the innocent regardless of race, creed, religion or anything else.”
The announcement did not specify the amount that may be raised from advertising and subscription revenue.
The antisemitic post endorsed by Elon Musk
When an X user posted on the platform claiming Jews "have been pushing the exact kind of dialectical hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them,” Musk responded with, "You have said the actual truth."
The comment drew condemnation from a range of critics and groups such as the Anti-Defamation League, an advocacy group that works to combat hate against Jewish people.
A report from Media Matters published around the same time claimed that some ads were displayed next to neo-Nazi content on X. Musk alleged that the watchdog group mischaracterized its findings, and filed a lawsuit against them on November 20.
Despite all Musk's efforts, a number of major advertisers including Comcast, IBM, and Warner Bros, have announced suspending their advertisements on the platform since the reports surfaced against him.
Netizens give suggestions to Elon Musk
Comments on Musk's post are diverse in opinions, as the following tweets demonstrate.
“I get you’re trying to backtrack and make up for what you said last week (& i truly hope the adl sees this bro) but only one side in this conflict desperately needs donations to hospitals and such and its not the one being supported and funded by the US government,” wrote a user.
“How are you going to track the funds that go to Gaza @elonmusk since Hamas controls the hospitals in Gaza? This seems like financing of Islamic terrorism. I know you probably have good intentions but you have to be careful. HAMAS is killing hostages in hospitals in Gaza and using it as an HQ for their tunnels and launching rockets,” claimed another.
“Dear Elon, Thanks, but Israel doesn't need donations. We need: 1. A phone number of someone in Twitter, shared with some people in Israel, so we will be able to directly report antisemitism. 2. Community notes. Thanks!” stated a third.
“That's kind of you. All of the wounded need care. But the situation in Gaza is desperate. Israel is a wealthy nation with lots of support already. So I hope you're sending more of the revenue to Gaza as they desperately need it,” tweeted another.
“Red Cross is no good Elon!!!!!!! Please don’t give to them!!!!!!” exclaimed a user.
“I don’t think it’s hospitals in Israel that need resources. Gaza is the one with no fuel and overwhelmed with injured and mutilated bodies. Probably shouldn’t be 50/50. I’m guessing these donations are from X’s share of ad revenue not the portion going to creators?” asked a sixth.
“This is a good move. What about money related to subscriptions to people who profited from war by posting blatant misinformation and growing their subscription counts?” was the question of another.
“Red Cross/Crescent have already been implicated in aiding Hamas' terrorism. You definitely don't want to assist Hamas by sending funds to them. Best would be to either purchase medical supplies directly, or donate to field hospital operated by UAE,” was the opinion of one.
“Red Cross hardly use what they receive financially to helping others, they use it on salaries… the best help out there is Samartains Purse, who uses 99 cents of every dollar to helping others,” shared another.
