Twitter hides Trump tweet for 'glorifying violence'

Twitter hid a tweet by U.S. President Donald Trump behind a warning on May 29, accusing him of breaking its rules by "glorifying violence" in a message that said looters at protests in Minneapolis would be shot.

Twitter's decision to step in escalates a feud between Trump and tech companies, and comes at a time of racially charged civil unrest in cities across the United States over the death of George Floyd, a black man seen on video gasping for breath while a white police officer knelt on his neck.

Trump responded by accusing the company of targeting him, Republicans and other conservatives for censorship. He threatened to impose new regulation on internet companies and called on Congress to revoke a law that protects online platforms from lawsuits over content.

Trump's tweet tagged by Twitter read: "...These THUGS are dishonoring the memory of George Floyd, and I won't let that happen. Just spoke to Governor Tim Walz and told him that the Military is with him all the way. Any difficulty and we will assume control but, when the looting starts, the shooting starts. Thank you!"

Trump's message can now be seen only after clicking on a notice which says: "This Tweet violated the Twitter Rules about glorifying violence. However, Twitter has determined that it may be in the public's interest for the Tweet to remain accessible."

Trump issued his tweet amid days of unrest in Minneapolis, which was engulfed in a third night of arson, looting and vandalism as protesters vented their rage over Floyd's death.

Trump has condemned the killing of Floyd and promised justice. Four police officers involved in Floyd's death have been fired and the FBI is investigating.

A Twitter spokeswoman said CEO Jack Dorsey had been informed of...