Elon Musk and free speech: Track record not encouraging

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest person on paper, is buying Twitter, the social media platform he has relied on for years to promote his interests and shape his public image.

“Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated,” said Mr. Musk in a statement when the deal was announced Monday.

Musk has characterized himself as a First Amendment and free speech advocate for years, for example, in defending himself in a defamation…