Musk’s “significant financial resources, established business ties in China through Tesla, and prominence in the social media industry via X make him a potential candidate for brokering a deal acceptable to multiple stakeholders,” says Dimitar Gueorguiev, associate professor of political science.

“He really was, I think, the right candidate and the right person and the right president for the times. And what happened to his presidency, ultimately I think, those same times overwhelmed his presidency” says Grant Reeher, professor of political science.

“Fundamentally, Meta's main incentive is just to keep people on the platform, that's what they want to do. And that is always going to keep priority over things like keeping people fully informed or showing both sides of the issues,” says Emily Thorson, assistant professor of political science.