Matt Taibbi was derided as “Substack Man” when he performed some real journalism last Friday and looked into Elon Musk’s dump of Twitter files showing the reach of “the Biden camp” into Twitter after the Hunter Biden laptop story was released. Musk held a live event on Twitter Saturday and announced that he’d given The Twitter Files to Bari Weiss as well, which was an excellent choice.
We were all waiting for Part 2 after that announcement, but Taibbi has a supplemental thread Tuesday afternoon explaining the delay in getting out more information.
THREAD: Twitter Files Supplemental
— Matt Taibbi (@mtaibbi) December 6, 2022
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
Former FBI, huh?
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
“My jaw hit the floor,” says Weiss.
— 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
And yes, Baker was “exited” from Twitter Tuesday:
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
Was he asked to explain himself first?
— Sam Gab (@samgabnz) December 6, 2022
Yes. His explanation was …unconvincing.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 6, 2022
I am shocked to learn that the FBI lawyer who signed off on an illegal FISA warrant containing fabricated evidence meant to deceive the federal courts was also involved in a corrupt scheme to hide evidence about the FBI’s role in censorship of the Hunter Biden laptop story. https://t.co/YHDwNuWz3v
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) December 6, 2022
It might be time for @AGEricSchmitt to depose Jim Baker under oath.
— Sean Davis (@seanmdav) December 6, 2022
Are you really shocked though???
— Dana (@dizz604) December 6, 2022
Same energy 😆 pic.twitter.com/hD0z8IsquI
— Dr. Marc C Saulnier 🍿🎮 (@drmarcsaulnier) December 6, 2022
I’m shocked he was not let go as soon as Elon took over!!!
— Everything has been a lie (@Rascal_the_dog6) December 6, 2022
— Eddie (@emonkey79) December 6, 2022
This shit is DEEEEP
— PassionPlanet (@PassionPlanet1) December 6, 2022
This is all exposing what most of us thought to be true but didn’t want to believe. Real moment for us to wake up. None of this is shocking, what’s shocking is that it’s coming to light publicly.
— James Devine (@jimmydjup) December 6, 2022
Bet he knows a thing or two about destroying evidence.
— NW Rambler (@iamgregk) December 6, 2022
Baker still was hiding evidence while moderating the files being released.
— drew beep/bop/boop 💙🖤 (@DrewLGB84) December 6, 2022
And now he’s gone. Musk is doing an excellent job of cleaning house over there. As many have said, he purchased a crime scene and is investigating it now.
***
Related:
Karine Jean-Pierre’s attempt to dismiss Elon Musk’s #TwitterFiles is desperate and dishonest https://t.co/VO83vfJuUO
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) December 5, 2022