X (formerly Twitter) Ownership and Elon Musk
X, formerly known as Twitter, is currently owned by Elon Musk, who acquired the company in October 2022.
Elon musk,a technology entrepreneur and investor,completed the acquisition of Twitter on October 27,2022,for approximately $44 billion. Reuters reported on the completion of the deal, noting MuskS stated intention to transform the platform into a vehicle for free speech.
Following the acquisition, Musk implemented several significant changes to the platform, including rebranding it as X in July 2023.NBC News detailed the rebranding, which included a new logo and a shift in the platform’s overall vision.
Changes Under Elon Musk’s Ownership
As taking ownership, Elon Musk has introduced numerous changes to X, impacting its policies, features, and financial stability.
Key changes include the introduction of X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue), a subscription service offering features like a blue checkmark, edit button, and prioritized ranking in replies. Twitter’s official blog announced the launch of X Premium, outlining its features and benefits.
Musk also relaxed content moderation policies, leading to concerns about the spread of misinformation and hate speech. The guardian reported on the rollback of content moderation policies and the resulting increase in problematic content.
Furthermore, Musk implemented significant staff reductions, impacting the company’s workforce and operational capacity. The New York Times documented the extensive layoffs following the acquisition.
Financial Performance and Challenges
X has faced significant financial challenges under Elon Musk’s ownership, including a decline in advertising revenue and increased debt.
Advertisers have reportedly reduced spending on X due to concerns about brand safety and the platform’s changing policies. The Wall Street Journal reported on the decline in advertising revenue, citing concerns from major advertisers.
The company also carries a substantial debt burden from the acquisition, estimated at over $1 billion annually in interest payments. Bloomberg detailed the financial strain caused by the debt incurred during the acquisition.
As of January 16, 2026, there have been no major breaking developments regarding the ownership or financial status of X beyond previously reported information. The company continues to operate under Elon Musk’s leadership, navigating ongoing financial and operational challenges.
