Journalist banned from X after posting leaked JD Vance dossier

An independent journalist has been permanently banned from X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, after posting a controversial dossier containing sensitive information about Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio. Ken Klippenstein, known for his investigative reporting, shared the 271-page document, which was reportedly leaked by Iranian hackers and included Vance’s home address and part of his Social Security number.

Klippenstein, who had amassed over 500,000 followers, initially posted the document in full. After receiving backlash over the inclusion of personal information, he removed the sensitive details and reposted the document.

However, X still decided to ban him from the platform, citing violations of the platform’s policy on doxxing and privacy breaches.

In an interview with Substack co-founder Hamish McKenzie, Klippenstein expressed frustration with the decision and voiced concerns over what he called an attack on free speech.

The leaked dossier is part of a larger cyber operation that targeted U.S. political figures, including former President Donald Trump’s campaign.

U.S. intelligence agencies confirmed Iranian involvement in the hacks. The FBI, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence all verified the source of the leak in August 2024.

Despite its origins, major media outlets like Politico and The New York Times declined to publish the dossier’s contents due to concerns over privacy and national security.

Klippenstein defended his decision to share the document, arguing that the public has a right to access this kind of information, especially given Vance’s role as Trump’s running mate in the upcoming presidential election.

He dismissed concerns that the release could increase the risk of political violence against Vance, calling such fears exaggerated. Instead, Klippenstein framed the issue as one of transparency. He asserted that people should have the ability to assess the information for themselves.

In response to his ban, Klippenstein criticized X owner Elon Musk, accusing him of succumbing to external pressures and undermining the platform’s commitment to free speech. He argued that the decision sets a dangerous precedent for independent journalists and whistleblowers who rely on social media to disseminate information.

Klippenstein remains active on other platforms like Instagram and Substack, where he continues to discuss the implications of his removal from X.

X did not comment on the ban, but Musk posted earlier this year that any doxxing, which includes revealing private information, will result in account suspension.