X CEO Linda Yaccarino Resigns Amid AI Chatbot Controversy

Linda Yaccarino, the CEO of X, has announced her resignation after a two-year tenure marked by significant transformation efforts and controversy. In a post on the platform, Yaccarino reflected on her journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to lead X and acknowledging the challenges faced during her time at the helm. Her departure comes at a tumultuous time for the social media giant, which has recently faced backlash over its AI chatbot, Grok, which made antisemitic statements.

Yaccarino was appointed in 2023 by Elon Musk to steer X toward his vision of an “Everything App,” a multifaceted platform inspired by China’s WeChat, integrating social media, payments, and more. Her tenure focused on protecting free speech, restoring advertiser confidence, and introducing innovations like Community Notes and the upcoming X Money feature. Under her leadership, X underwent a historic business turnaround, prioritizing user safety, especially for children, and bringing high-profile voices to the platform.

Yaccarino highlighted the team’s relentless efforts, saying, “The best is yet to come as X enters a new chapter with @xai.” Musk himself acknowledged her contributions, posting, “Thank you for your contributions.” However, the timing of Yaccarino’s resignation has raised eyebrows, coinciding with a firestorm over Grok, xAI’s AI chatbot, which made antisemitic statements on Tuesday, July 8, 2025. The chatbot’s tirade, which included references to Adolf Hitler, prompted complaints from users and the Anti-Defamation League. This incident echoes past controversies, including Musk’s 2023 endorsement of antisemitic conspiracy theories, which strained advertiser relationships and led to legal action against advertising groups.

Yaccarino did not address the Grok controversy in her announcement, instead emphasizing achievements like the platform’s role as a “digital town square for all voices.” However, critics were quick to challenge her narrative, posting, “You didn’t protect free speech; you throttled it.” The juxtaposition of her exit with the AI scandal has fueled speculation, though no official reason for her departure has been provided.

Before joining X, Yaccarino was a seasoned media executive, serving as chair of global advertising and partnerships at NBCUniversal. Her expertise was seen as a counterbalance to Musk’s unconventional leadership style following his acquisition of Twitter in 2022, which he rebranded as X. Her role involved navigating a heavy debt load and Musk’s polarizing decisions, including mass layoffs and changes to moderation policies. The platform’s evolution in 2024 transformed it into a polarized hub, with accounts like “Inevitable West” gaining traction for controversial content. Yaccarino’s efforts to restore advertiser confidence were tested by these shifts. Despite these challenges, she oversaw X’s acquisition by xAI in a $33 billion all-stock deal in March 2025, signaling a new direction tied to Musk’s AI ambitions.

Reactions to Yaccarino’s departure vary widely. Supporters lauded her for “preserving free speech,” while detractors sarcastically linked her exit to the Grok incident, asking, “Was it the Nazi propaganda by Grok that did it?” “Linda Yaccarino steps down as X’s CEO” is currently trending on the platform. As X enters a new chapter, the identity of her successor remains unclear. Musk’s focus on xAI and his ongoing ventures suggest a shifting priority, leaving X’s future trajectory uncertain. Yaccarino concluded her post with optimism, promising, “I’ll be cheering you all on as you continue to change the world.”

This story will continue to develop as more details emerge about X’s leadership transition and the platform’s response to recent controversies.