Does the US Government Have Legal Authority to Review Musk's Twitter Takeover?
The acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk has sparked significant debate, not just in the tech world, but also within the US government. Is the US government exploring whether it has legal authority to review Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition? The short answer is: it's being actively considered.
Several factors are fueling this potential review. Potential foreign government access to user data has raised suspicion within the U.S. government about Elon Musk’s Twitter purchase, according to The Washington Post. This concern centers around national security implications, leading U.S. officials to weigh whether to open a formal investigation into Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter. The concern is compounded as new details emerge about the privileges granted to large foreign entities.
The US government is considering a national security review of Elon Musk's $44 billion Twitter acquisition, report says. If it happens, Biden could ultimately kill the deal. The stakes are undeniably high.
CFIUS and the Power to Review
According to the 2025 annual CFIUS report to Congress, the panel has the authority to “review pending or completed transactions” if a member of the committee believes there's a potential threat to national security. While it's unclear if CFIUS is directly involved at this stage, the potential for its intervention looms large. This article examines the acquisition process of Twitter by Elon Musk and delves into the legal validity of Musk’s initial claims for rescinding his offer, as well as Twitter’s response.
SEC Investigation Adds Another Layer
Adding to the complexity, The US Securities and Exchange Commission said on Thursday it is seeking a court order that would compel billionaire Elon Musk to testify as part of an investigation into his $44 billion takeover. Elon Musk, the world's richest man, is being sued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which is trying to compel him to testify as part of a probe into his $44 billion deal. This investigation is separate from the national security concerns but adds another layer of scrutiny to Musk's handling of the acquisition.
Conclusion
The question of whether the US government entails legal capacity to review Musk's Twitter takeover is multifaceted. While a formal investigation is not yet confirmed, the combination of national security concerns, potential foreign influence, and the ongoing SEC investigation paints a picture of intense scrutiny. The coming months will likely reveal the extent of the US government's involvement and its ultimate impact on the future of Twitter.
JUST IN: 🇺🇸 US government is exploring whether it has legal authority to review Elon Musk's Twitter acquisition, Washington Post reports.