Ro Khanna urges progressives to stay on X after Trump wins

In the United States, following the recent victory of Donald Trump as President-elect, Democratic lawmaker Ro Khanna, representing California, publicly addressed the dilemma faced by progressives regarding their participation on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Many progressives have opted to deactivate their accounts as a reaction to the election results, illustrating a trend of liberal figures distancing themselves from the platform. Notable among these is MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace, who cited personal reasons for her departure, and former CNN host Don Lemon, who announced his exit to his large follower base. These decisions reflect a broader retreat from X by liberals, who are grappling with the ramifications of the recent political climate. In an interview with Politico’s "Power Play" podcast, Khanna urged his progressive colleagues to refrain from abandoning X and expressed his belief in the necessity of free and open speech within digital spaces. He argued that disengagement would not provide a solution for progressives and emphasized the importance of remaining active voices on platforms that may otherwise be dominated by views opposite to their own. By encouraging continued engagement, Khanna highlighted the potential for progressives to foster dialogue and develop community in a challenging online environment. Khanna acknowledged the challenges presented by the platform's ownership under Elon Musk and the evolving dynamics within digital media landscapes. He also touched on the financial influences that shape the public discourse and the importance of creating diverse avenues for conversation akin to traditional town hall meetings. His remarks came amid his recognition of the distress felt by many liberals post-election, indicating a necessity to find constructive ways to participate rather than retreating into silence. This call to action advocates for a strategic approach among progressives in navigating online platforms, asserting that staying engaged can lead to the establishment of more equitable discussions that encompass a wider array of perspectives. Khanna’s stance not only seeks to counteract the exodus of progressive voices from X but also to spark a movement toward redefining the online political landscape as more inclusive and representative of a multifaceted society.