SYDNEY, Australia (CU)_Australia’s Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack has criticised the decision of social media giants to ban the accounts of US President Donald Trump.
The US President has been removed from Twitter, Facebook and Instagram after messages which could encourage violence on these platforms, following a pro-Trump riot stormed the US Capitol in chaos last week, which resulted in 4 deaths and sever damage to property.
When inquired if the US President helped incite the riot, McCormack said the President’s social media comments, as well as his refusal to accept the outcome of the US election, were unfortunate.
Nevertheless, it should not be up to Big Tech to decide whose voices were heard McCormack added. “I don’t believe in that sort of censorship,” he told ABC radio on Monday (Jan 11).
On the issue of when President Trump should be removed from office before his term ends on January 20, the Acting PM took the view that it was entirely a matter for the US.
“But as far as Donald Trump and his presidency is concerned, and the last few days of his administration, well that’s entirely a matter for the United States of America,” he said.
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is on official leave this week, and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has been appointed as the Acting Prime Minister for this period.
Last week, PM Morrison condemned the rioters for “terribly distressing” acts of violence, but stopped short of criticising US President Donald Trump for sending mixed messages by asking his supporters to disperse, while also insisting that the election held last November was a fraudulent one.
However, this response of the Prime Minister was criticised by several Australian Politicians as being “weak” and “tepid” in comparison to condemnation from other world leaders.
