Elon Musk has just fired former FBI official Jim Baker over possibly suppressing information that was to be released in the Twitter Files.
Musk wrote on Twitter that Baker was ‘exited’ from Twitter: “In light of concerns about Baker’s possible role in suppression of information important to the public dialogue, he was exited from Twitter today.”
Musk confirms that Baker was asked to explain himself, but his explanation was ‘unconvincing’.
In light of concerns about Baker’s possible role in suppression of information important to the public dialogue, he was exited from Twitter today
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 6, 2022
Yes. His explanation was …unconvincing.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 6, 2022
With the acknoledgement of Baker’s termination by Musk, Matt Taibbi then took to Twitter to explain what happened with the Twitter Files regarding Baker’s involvement:
On Friday, the first installment of the Twitter files was published here. We expected to publish more over the weekend. Many wondered why there was a delay.
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 6, 2022
We can now tell you part of the reason why. On Tuesday, Twitter Deputy General Counsel (and former FBI General Counsel) Jim Baker was fired. Among the reasons? Vetting the first batch of “Twitter Files” – without knowledge of new management.
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 6, 2022
The process for producing the “Twitter Files” involved delivery to two journalists (Bari Weiss and me) via a lawyer close to new management. However, after the initial batch, things became complicated.
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 6, 2022
Over the weekend, while we both dealt with obstacles to new searches, it was @BariWeiss who discovered that the person in charge of releasing the files was someone named Jim. When she called to ask “Jim’s” last name, the answer came back: “Jim Baker.”
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 6, 2022
The first batch of files both reporters received was marked, “Spectra Baker Emails.” pic.twitter.com/24a9NhjosB
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 6, 2022
Baker is a controversial figure. He has been something of a Zelig of FBI controversies dating back to 2016, from the Steele Dossier to the Alfa-Server mess. He resigned in 2018 after an investigation into leaks to the press.
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 6, 2022
The news that Baker was reviewing the “Twitter files” surprised everyone involved, to say the least. New Twitter chief Elon Musk acted quickly to “exit” Baker Tuesday.
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 6, 2022
Reporters resumed searches through Twitter Files material – a lot of it – today. The next installment of “The Twitter Files” will appear @bariweiss. Stay tuned.
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 6, 2022