5 things to know about the first 2 installments of the 'Twitter Files'

By Ryan Foley, Christian Post Reporter Monday, December 12, 2022

This video grab taken from a video posted on the Twitter account of billionaire Tesla chief Elon Musk on October 26, 2022, shows himself carrying a sink as he enters the Twitter headquarters in San Francisco. Elon Musk changed his Twitter profile to "Chief Twit" and posted video of himself walking into the social network's California headquarters carrying a sink days before his contentious takeover of the company must be finalized. | Photo by Twitter account of Elon Musk/AFP via Getty Images

3. Jim Baker, previously the FBI general counsel involved in the Russian collusion controversy, filtered the release of emails given to Elon Musk and was subsequently fired.

Musk initially indicated that "Episode 2 of The Twitter Files" was slated for release on Dec. 3. However, he announced that day that "we will need another day or so." It ended up taking five days for the second installment to go public.

Taibbi first posted a "Twitter Files Supplemental" on his Twitter account Tuesday, stating that "we expected to publish more over the weekend." Noting that "many wondered the reason why there was a delay," he informed his followers that "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."

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

Taibbi described Baker as a "controversial figure" and "something of a Zelig of FBI controversies dating back to 2016, from the Steele Dossier to the Alfa-Server mess." Baker resigned from the FBI in 2018 following the launch of "an investigation into leaks to the press."

"The news that Baker was reviewing the 'Twitter files' surprised everyone involved, to say the least," Taibbi asserted. "New Twitter chief Elon Musk acted quickly to 'exit' Baker Tuesday."

Baker's ouster enabled reporters to resume the examination of the "Twitter Files," and a second document dump took place last Thursday.