President Donald Trump blamed Big Tech companies on Tuesday for dividing the country days after Twitter; and Facebook banned him on their platforms for encouraging the attack on the U.S. Capitol building
“I think that Big Tech is doing a horrible thing for our country and to our country; and I believe it’s going to be a catastrophic mistake for them. They’re dividing and divisive,” Trump told reporters at the start of a trip to Texas.
He said the companies had made a “terrible mistake” and that there is a “counter move” to the actions Big Tech platforms have taken without being specific about what that means.
Last week, Twitter, Facebook, Alphabet Inc-owned Google, Apple Inc; and Amazon.com Inc took their strongest actions yet against Trump to limit his reach.
They cited the potential for continued violence stemming from the Republican president’s posts; after his supporters’ Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol that killed five people.
Apple, Google and Amazon also suspended Parler – a pro-Trump app where users have threatened more violence; from their respective app stores as well as Web-hosting services.
The moves enraged Trump, who immediately vowed he would “not be SILENCED!” and promised a “big announcement soon.”
Trump has repeatedly clashed with large technology companies and also railed against the protections they enjoy under a law called Section 230; which protects companies from liability over content posted by users.
He has also continued to demand that law be repealed; even though his calls have not found enough congressional support.
He even vetoed a $740 billion defense bill that allocates military funds each year because the bill did not include language to overturn Section 230.
Congress overrode the veto.
