Hours after President Donald Trump issued a tweet directed at protesters Tuesday morning, the popular social networking platform had a response of its own.
Trump warned protesters if they are planning to establish an “autonomous zone” in Washington, D.C., they will be met with harsh opposition.
“There will never be an ‘Autonomous Zone’ in Washington, D.C., as long as I’m your President. If they try they will be met with serious force!” Trump tweeted.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1275409656488382465
Twitter added an advisory to his tweet.
“This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about abusive behavior. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public’s interest for the Tweet to remain accessible,” the advisory reads.
Twitter sent out a separate message explaining the reasoning behind the advisory.
“We’ve placed a public interest notice on this Tweet for violating our policy against abusive behavior, specifically, the presence of a threat of harm against an identifiable group,” Twitter said.
We’ve placed a public interest notice on this Tweet for violating our policy against abusive behavior, specifically, the presence of a threat of harm against an identifiable group.https://t.co/AcmW6O6d4t
— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) June 23, 2020
Twitter acknowledged the significance of Trump’s tweet but also placed limitations on the public’s interactions with it.
“Per our policies, this Tweet will remain on the service given its relevance to ongoing public conversation,” Twitter said.
The platform added, “Engagements with the Tweet will be limited. People will be able to Retweet with Comment, but not Like, Reply, or Retweet it.”
Trump’s tweet comes shortly after he announced his plans to issue an executive order compelling cities to protect monuments, as IJR previously reported.
Amid demonstrations, Trump warned protesters of the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act.
“I have authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison, per the Veteran’s Memorial Preservation Act, or such other laws that may be pertinent,” Trump tweeted.
He added, “This action is taken effective immediately, but may also be used retroactively for destruction or vandalism already caused. There will be no exceptions!”
