Elon Musk's X Fined $350,000 - Here's Why

Elon Musk's Company X, formerly known as Twitter, has been fined $350,000 for failing to meet a deadline to comply with a confidential search warrant related to Donald Trump's account.

The order is part of the US Department of Justice (DoJ) investigation into potential interference following the 2020 election and Capitol Hill events on January 6, 2021.

The appeals court revealed that X obtained the warrant this year seeking data from Trump's @realdonaldtrump account. X's failure to meet the court's deadline involved a First Amendment nondisclosure challenge. A fine reduction followed, allowing X to inform Trump of the order.

At the same time, Musk's cost-cutting measures have drawn attention as he retools the $44 billion acquisition of Twitter. Trump's closed Twitter account was reinstated by Musk, who is an advocate for free speech.

However, Trump has not yet resumed posting on the social network. In a separate case, the former president faces various other charges.

Garland appointed Smith to handle the Trump-related investigations, which also include the mishandling of government materials.

Trump, who is the favorite for the DoJ nomination in 2024, has maintained his innocence, denouncing the legal action as a "witch hunt." He accused Biden's Justice Department of targeting his rights in a post on Truth Social.