Trump Requested Twitter Remove Teigen Post
A former Twitter official testified that the Trump White House sought to delete a post by Chrissy Teigen.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Celebrities
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In testimony provided in February 2023, a former Twitter official revealed that the Trump administration contacted the platform to demand the removal of a 2019 social media post. The request followed a viral exchange between Donald Trump and Chrissy Teigen.
Why it matters
The disclosure highlights past tensions between the Trump administration and private social media platforms regarding content moderation. It underscores how the former president used his office to address personal criticism online.
In 2017, Donald Trump blocked Chrissy Teigen on Twitter following previous online interactions. By September 2019, the former president issued a public critique of both Teigen and John Legend, prompting a retort from the celebrity.
The players
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States.
Chrissy Teigen
She is a model, television personality, and social media influencer who has frequently engaged in public discourse with political figures.
John Legend
He is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, and pianist who has been active in political and social advocacy.
Anika Collier Navaroli
She is a former Twitter content moderation official who provided testimony regarding internal company practices and external pressures.
House Oversight Committee
This is a standing committee of the U.S. House of Representatives that holds investigative authority over federal government operations and policies.
The details
Anika Collier Navaroli, a former Twitter content moderation official, testified before the House Oversight Committee that the White House had requested the deletion of a post because it contained a derogatory term aimed at the president. Despite the request, Twitter ultimately did not remove the post from the platform.
Timeline
Donald Trump blocked Chrissy Teigen on Twitter in 2017.
Donald Trump tweeted a critique of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen in September 2019.
Anika Collier Navaroli testified to Congress in February 2023.
Industry Dynamics
This revelation highlights the historical tension between government officials and social media platforms regarding the limits of content moderation. It contributes to the ongoing debate over how private companies manage direct requests from political leaders.
This story clarifies how personal interactions between celebrities and world leaders can trigger direct intervention by the White House in private platform policies. Users can better understand the historical limitations placed on public speech during this administration.
The takeaway
Public figures often face unique scrutiny when interacting with political leadership on social media platforms. Understanding these past incidents helps clarify the evolution of digital policy and executive influence.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of public figures and digital platforms, visit the Celebrities section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Atlanta Black Star.
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Should social media platforms remove posts based on requests from sitting government officials?
