Trump tricked by Babylon Bee satire article claiming Twitter shut down 'entire network' to slow negative Biden news
President Donald Trump has mistaken a satirical news story on the Babylon Bee about a total Twitter shutdown for a real one, prompting confusion among supporters and an onslaught of mockery from his critics.
Trump on Friday tweeted the fake story about Twitter shutting down its “entire network” to slow the spread of negative stories about his Democratic opponent Joe Biden.
“Wow, this has never been done in history,” Trump wrote, reacting to the satire site’s post about the supposed Twitter shutdown. “Why is Twitter doing this?” the commander-in-chief asked, adding that it would only bring “more attention to Sleepy Joe [Biden] & Big T[ech]”.
Twitter Shuts Down Entire Network To Slow Spread Of Negative Biden News https://t.co/JPmjOrKPcr via @TheBabylonBee Wow, this has never been done in history. This includes his really bad interview last night. Why is Twitter doing this. Bringing more attention to Sleepy Joe & Big T
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2020
The president was tricked by the story despite the fact that the conservative Babylon Bee describes itself as “fake news you can trust” in its Twitter bio. Trump wasn’t the only one who fell for it, either. Some of his supporters did as well. “This is not satire!” tweeted one user in Trump’s defense, while a few commenters from the Biden camp didn't seem to even notice it was fake.
This is not satire! YES, yes they did.
— Christi Chat (@ChatChristi) October 16, 2020
This is true, it actually happened to me last night when I was attempting to make comments.
— newkenjoe (@newkenjoe) October 16, 2020
First off, Biden had a great town meeting. It is refreshing to have a leader who has plans and not be cryptic about them.
— Taressa Ait Massaoud (@teesabunny) October 16, 2020
One user pointed out that, besides the fact that the story was clearly satire, the mere fact that Trump was able to tweet about a Twitter shutdown while on Twitter made it quite evident that it wasn’t real.
The story is true, as Twitter is entirely shut down, I am not writing this right now, and you are not reading it. That should be proof enough. Also, this isn't here. And I didn't just say that.
— Caren Lissner (@CarenLissner) October 16, 2020
The majority, however, simply mocked Trump for failing to see the article was fake. Some jokingly referred him to more “reliable news sources” like the Saturday Night Live comedy skits or The Onion, another news-as-satire website.
Sir, it would be better if you stuck to retweeting from reliable news sources like The Onion or perhaps SNL. You retweeted this as a joke, right sir? You really are playing chess in the 5th dimension. Good one on all of us sir.
— MFW (@MFW_PA_CA_TX) October 16, 2020
Sir, if you enjoy the truth of @TheBabylonBee, you should check out @TheOnion. Both doing the real work!
— Jen (@Jen__Griff) October 16, 2020
The president could be forgiven for thinking the Babylon Bee’s post had some truth to it, however. The article referenced the fact that Twitter and Facebook actually did create real obstacles for users trying to access a New York Post article this week alleging that Biden’s son Hunter had corrupt dealings in Ukraine and China.
Both social media giants openly admitted to reducing the article’s visibility on their platforms, prompting outrage and accusations of censorship.
Trump has previously argued that it’s an abuse of US laws for social media companies to filter content on their platforms. Republican senators, meanwhile, are preparing to issue Jack Dorsey, the CEO of Twitter, a subpoena for a Senate appearance and questioning.
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