X Platform Sees Growth as Musk’s Influence Expands with Trump Administration

X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk, has recently experienced a surge in visibility and influence, benefiting from its increasing role as an official government mouthpiece and real-time source of updates, the New York Times reports.

This rise comes as Musk continues to play an integral role as an adviser to President Donald Trump, particularly with his involvement in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a key initiative focused on federal cost-cutting.

One of the most significant changes for X has been its growing association with government operations. On a recent Thursday, John Stoll, appointed as the head of news at X, made an appearance in the White House press briefing room, occupying a seat designated for new media outlets. His introduction by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored X’s newfound prominence, emphasizing its large user base, which includes independent journalists and news organizations spanning various political and geographical perspectives.

The platform has become a go-to source for government-related news, particularly as Musk has provided real-time updates about the DOGE initiative and its efforts to target wasteful federal spending. Since the launch of DOGE-focused accounts by at least a dozen government agencies, including the IRS and the Department of Defense, X has served as a platform for users to submit tips about government inefficiency. This engagement has further cemented X’s role as a powerful outlet for official government communications.

Despite facing ongoing challenges, including difficulties with revenue generation and regulatory scrutiny, X has seen a notable uptick in its standing. The return of major advertisers like Amazon and Apple and the optimism around Musk’s connection with Trump have provided some financial relief. Although internal communications have indicated that X has struggled to meet revenue goals and advertisers were initially wary due to concerns over content moderation, the platform has shown signs of recovery, with significant growth in visibility.

Musk’s relationship with the Trump administration has also played a role in positioning X as a direct conduit between conservatives and government policy. Musk’s cost-cutting initiative, bolstered by X’s new DOGE accounts for government agencies, has encouraged citizens to share concerns about federal waste, allowing them to have their voices heard directly by government leaders. This direct engagement has garnered attention from conservative politicians, who now see X as an effective way to influence policy decisions.

X’s decision to add official verification badges to government-related DOGE accounts has further solidified its status as an official government communication channel. This step has also allowed X to attract new users and bolster its credibility in the eyes of the public and advertisers alike.

Additionally, X has hired experienced media professionals like John Stoll, a former Wall Street Journal editor, to lead its news operations. His appearance at the White House marked a significant step in X’s efforts to be seen as a legitimate player in the media landscape. Stoll’s presence underscores the platform’s increasing role in the dissemination of news, particularly as it seeks to expand its reach within the government sector.