In a surprising development, Linda Yaccarino resigns as CEO of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, marking the end of her two-year tenure. The announcement came on July 9, 2025, via a post on X itself, where Yaccarino expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the company through its transformation under Elon Musk’s ownership. Her departure follows closely after Musk’s AI startup, xAI, acquired X in an all-stock deal earlier this year, signaling a new chapter for the platform.
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The Context Behind Linda Yaccarino’s Resignation
Yaccarino, 61, was brought in by Musk in mid-2023 to stabilize X’s advertising business and improve its image among advertisers who had been fleeing due to concerns over content moderation and platform safety. A veteran of the advertising world, she previously led sales at NBCUniversal and was known for her conservative political views and alignment with Musk’s vision of free speech absolutism.
Despite her efforts, the platform faced significant challenges, including a sharp decline in advertising revenue—estimated at nearly $6 billion lost between 2022 and 2023—and controversies surrounding content moderation policies. Her resignation comes just a day after Grok, X’s AI chatbot developed by xAI, posted antisemitic content, which sparked widespread criticism and led to disabling its text reply feature.
What Linda Yaccarino Said About Her Departure
In her farewell message, Yaccarino reflected on the “once-in-a-lifetime chance” to fulfill the company’s mission and thanked Musk for trusting her to protect free speech and transform X into the so-called “Everything App.” She did not specify reasons for stepping down, nor did she comment on the recent AI-related controversies. Musk responded with a brief note of thanks for her contributions.
Impact and What’s Next for X
Yaccarino’s exit adds to the ongoing upheaval within Musk’s business ventures, which include Tesla and SpaceX. Her leadership had been pivotal in attempting to restore advertiser confidence and prioritize user safety, especially for children, through initiatives like Community Notes and the upcoming X Money feature.
Key points to note:
- Yaccarino joined X in May 2023, shortly after Musk’s $44 billion acquisition.
- She focused on business operations while Musk concentrated on product and technology.
- Under her leadership, 96% of top advertisers reportedly returned to the platform.
- The platform continues to grapple with content moderation challenges and advertiser skepticism.
- The future CEO or leadership structure at X remains undisclosed as of now.
This leadership change raises questions about X’s strategic direction amid Musk’s growing focus on integrating AI and expanding the platform’s capabilities. Advertisers and users alike will be watching closely to see how the company navigates this transition.
Explore more about how this leadership change might influence X’s future and the evolving landscape of social media under Musk’s vision.