During a House hearing on the “Twitter files,” tensions flared between Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and Democrat Stacey Plaskett. The hearing, convened by the GOP-led House’s newly established Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, featured journalists Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger.
The focal point of the hearing stemmed from Twitter CEO Elon Musk’s dissemination of internal records to right-leaning writers in 2022. This action was perceived as an effort to expose the platform’s alleged collaboration with federal agencies to stifle conservative perspectives.
Plaskett, a nonvoting delegate from the U.S. Virgin Islands and the ranking Democrat on the panel, criticized Republicans for inviting Musk’s “public scribes” to testify. She rebuked the witnesses for presenting “a direct threat to people who oppose them.”
Plaskett underscored a video featuring former Twitter trust and safety head Yoel Roth, who testified in a previous House hearing that he had to vacate his residence due to threats and disclosures of his address resulting from the release of his name in internal Twitter documents.
“This is a new Republican playbook, apparently — risk Americans’ safety and security to score political points,” said Plaskett.
“This is a new Republican playbook, apparently — risk Americans’ safety and security to score political points,” said Plaskett.
Later in the hearing, Rep. Jim Jordan, serving as the subcommittee chair, praised the writers as “brave” for their willingness to attend despite being named in a letter from the Federal Trade Commission seeking information on Twitter’s privacy practices.
When questioned by Plaskett about whether it was his allotted “question time,” Jordan retorted that he was reacting to her “ridiculous statement” before Plaskett resumed her interrogation of him.
“OK, well, let’s get on with it,” Plaskett replied.
“Oh, now we want to get on with it? You can say all the things you want and I can say—” Jordan responded before the things devolved into a back-and-forth.
“OK, well, let’s get on with it,” Plaskett replied.
“Oh, now we want to get on with it? You can say all the things you want and I can say—” Jordan responded before the things devolved into a back-and-forth.
Later in the hearing, Plaskett took a jab at Jordan after he asserted his intention to prioritize the protection of the First Amendment.
“Point of order, Mr. Chair. Are you going to respond after everything?” Plaskett asked.
“I’m taking my five minutes,” Jordan said.
“Oh, it’s your five minutes now?” Plaskett asked.
“I’m taking my five minutes when I want to and I’m taking my five minutes now,” Jordan replied.
“OK, great,” Plaskett responded.
Watch the entire exchange below:
