Edward Snowden, a former contractor for the United States National Security Agency who leaked classified information and was accused of espionage, made waves on the X social media app on May 2. He expressed his discontent towards various individuals, including the governor of South Dakota and the world’s richest person.
Snowden, a well-known whistleblower, gained media attention after his disclosure and lived in asylum in Russia until 2022, when he was granted full citizenship. He has since become a prominent figure, especially within technology-based communities, for his advocacy of freedom and privacy.
Elon Musk, another influential figure known for his outspokenness on matters of freedom, also faced criticism from Snowden during his tirade on May 2. Musk had posted a poll asking whether someone who replaces the American flag should be deported. Snowden responded by reminding Musk about the importance of freedom of expression, using the example of replacing the flag with a McDonald’s logo.
In a separate post, Snowden warned Bitcoin developers about the need for privacy at the protocol level. He emphasized that he had been advocating for this for a decade and considered it a crucial issue. The warning came in response to the shutdown of Wasabi Wallet developer zkSNACKs, although the specific concern Snowden had was not clarified. Nevertheless, Snowden has long been associated with cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, and has been a vocal supporter.
Snowden’s commentary then turned to South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. Noem faced significant backlash after excerpts from her upcoming book revealed that she had shot a 14-month-old puppy. She defended her actions, stating that they were lawful and justified due to the puppy’s alleged dangerous behavior. Snowden criticized Noem, drawing a comparison between excessive force in law enforcement and her policies regarding farm animals.
In his post, Snowden referred to Noem as a “puppy-killer” and sarcastically commented on the justification she provided for her actions. He drew a parallel between her defense and police using excessive force by claiming they feared for their lives due to sudden movements.
Overall, Snowden’s social media activity on May 2 showcased his outspoken nature and his dedication to advocating for freedom, privacy, and transparency.