Katherine Maher, NPR’s new CEO, has become a lightning rod for commentary following the resurfacing of past tweets that highlight her progressive stances, cultural critiques, and satirical commentary. Her posts span years and topics, ranging from politics and civil rights to AI governance and economic inequality. Here’s a curated list of tweets that sparked reactions and conversations.
1. Looting and Oppression
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1266974026053767169
📅 May 31, 2020 – 2:05 AM
“I mean, sure, looting is counterproductive. But it’s hard to be mad about protests not prioritizing the private property of a system of oppression founded on treating people’s ancestors as private property.”
Posted during the George Floyd protests, this tweet framed looting within the historical context of systemic oppression. It received significant backlash from critics who saw it as justifying criminal activity.
2. Critique of Hillary’s Language
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/785287934559789056
📅 October 10, 2016 – 9:16 PM
“I do wish Hillary wouldn’t use the language of ‘boy and girl’ – it’s erasing language for non-binary people.”
Maher expressed concern about binary gender language, reflecting her advocacy for inclusive terminology.
3. Post-Election Commitment
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/796227866237210624
📅 November 9, 2016 – 6:48 AM
“We need information and education more than ever. That’s my commitment.”
In the wake of Trump’s 2016 election win, Maher pledged dedication to informed discourse and public education.
4. Harsh Words for Trump
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1260960520586145797
📅 May 14, 2020 – 11:49 AM
“What is that deranged racist sociopath ranting about today? I truly do not understand.”
A blunt tweet likely referring to former President Trump, underscoring Maher’s polarizing political views.
5. Staying to Fight Tyranny
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1288830169587879937
📅 July 30, 2020 – 9:33 AM
“Lots of jokes about leaving the US, and I get it. But as someone with cis white mobility privilege, I’m thinking I’m staying and investing in ridding ourselves of this spectre of tyranny.”
Here, Maher acknowledges privilege while committing to activism within the U.S. rather than fleeing the political climate.
6. Disdain for Buzzwords
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1750282480051986575
📅 January 25, 2024 – 12:20 AM
“Ah yes, true.”
In reply to:
“New NPR CEO @krmaher says, among other things, that she cringes when she hears the word ‘content.’” – @NPRinskeep
Maher affirmed her distaste for generic media jargon, positioning herself as a proponent of thoughtful journalism.
7. Announcing Her Role at NPR
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1750226270149873888
📅 January 24, 2024 – 8:37 PM
“Big news: I’m delighted to announce that I will be taking up the position of CEO of NPR starting in late March. NPR has been a lifelong part of my soundscape, and I credit its reporting with sparking my curiosity that set me onto the path to become the person I am today.”
Maher’s personal message on her appointment emphasized her long-standing connection to NPR and its influence on her development.
8. Diversity in AI Critique
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1727302830397264017
📅 November 22, 2023 – 2:27 PM
“‘AI that benefits all humanity’ without a single woman or person of color on the OpenAI board. Where have I heard this story before?”
Maher criticized the lack of diversity on OpenAI’s board, highlighting broader issues in tech leadership representation.
9. Satirical Take on Price Inflation
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1605440551284871169
📅 December 21, 2022 – 7:50 AM
“Can’t be too safe. That’s why I secured that sub-market sweater in a box, taped it real tight, tied it up with more ribbon, and then hid it out of sight under a tree.”
In response to rising sweater prices, Maher offered a humorous take on inflation and consumer behavior, referencing a Wall Street Journal piece.
10. Concern for a Friend’s Health
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1609055395837841409
📅 December 31, 2022 – 7:14 AM
“Tonight I’m really worried about a friend who has been fighting an infection. It’s hard to sleep. I hope tomorrow brings better news.”
Maher shared a vulnerable moment during the pandemic-era winter, highlighting ongoing concerns around infections and long-COVID. The post resonated with many while some online replies in later years reflected growing cynicism and political commentary.
11. All Op-Eds Have an Agenda
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1608272294136418304
📅 December 29, 2022 – 3:22 AM
“I don’t mean this in a conspiratorial way, but in the sense that everyone who pitches an op-Ed has an agenda. They’re selling themselves, their company, their point of view.”
In a follow-up to her reply questioning a NYT op-ed, Maher offered a broader critique of media motives. Her commentary touches on the blurred lines between journalism, advocacy, and corporate interests—an issue later raised in debates about her own leadership at NPR.
12. Questioning Media Language
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1608253567776817153
📅 December 29, 2022 – 2:08 AM
“I’m wondering how a pedestrian crashes into a car.”
Reacting to a San Francisco Chronicle tweet, Maher pointed out language bias in reporting car accidents. Her post challenged how media narratives often frame pedestrian-vehicle collisions, aligning with broader urban safety advocacy.
13. Exploring New Platforms
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1612910410893594624
📅 January 10, 2023 – 10:33 PM
“Just got access to T2.social, a project by @gabor with @heysarah. It’s very unabashedly an UX clone of this bird site, which I’m digging – no learning curve. But even more so, the focus is on Trust & Safety from the jump! Gonna spend some time over there for a bit.”
Maher showed interest in Pebble (formerly T2), a Twitter alternative launched amid post-Musk Twitter unrest. The tweet reflects her alignment with digital safety and moderation values during a time of shifting social media trust.
14. Political Satire via CSPAN
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1611125801306431494
📅 January 6, 2023 – 12:21 AM
“Watching CSPAN and that wailing baby in the House chamber is all of us. Or maybe just the holdouts. Unclear whom to project this on.”
Maher used a humorous metaphor referencing a baby crying during the chaotic 2023 House Speaker vote to comment on congressional dysfunction. Her tweet resonated as a symbol of public frustration and political deadlock.
15. Encryption Irony at the NYT
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1608228813418160128
📅 December 29, 2022 – 12:30 AM
“Not just their investigative journalists! Their product testers! So I’ll take back the Wirecutter trash talk. (On the homepage of the @nytimes right now, the Wirecutter endorsement of end-to-end encryption. LOL.)”
Maher poked fun at the New York Times for promoting Apple’s end-to-end encryption despite previously criticizing Signal’s similar tech. Her tweet emphasized inconsistency in media narratives around digital privacy.
16. Supporting Encryption Rights
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1608227556922105857
📅 December 28, 2022 – 12:25 AM
“As ever, @kurtopsahl is more eloquent.”
In reply to:
“In using this technology, we are acting out the ethical and political commitments of the technologists.” – @kurtopsahl
Backing EFF’s Kurt Opsahl, Maher endorsed the view that encryption represents a political stance and digital right. Her comments connect to debates around Signal and government access to private data.
17. Questioning Media Bias
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1608224932990689281
📅 December 29, 2022 – 12:14 AM
“Does the @nytimes routinely give that much space to non-profit’s mission takedowns? Like, here’s how XYZ undermines the sustainability of national health systems in developing nations? Or, ABC’s mission is thinly veiled racially coded NIMBYism in the guise of conservation?”
Maher critiqued selective scrutiny in major media, suggesting the NYT disproportionately targets certain nonprofits while ignoring others with deeper societal impacts.
18. Evian Martini Hack
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1606019683278213120
📅 December 22, 2022 – 10:11 PM
“If this was a insulated bottle, this man would be a hero.”
In response to:
“Just watched a man at a bar in Penn Station order two martinis, pay for them, promptly pour them into an empty Evian bottle, and then walk out all while Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” played on the jukebox. Happy holidays!” – @IsaacFitzgerald
Maher’s humorous take on a public drinking incident at Penn Station implied that environmental responsibility—like using an insulated bottle—might make even questionable acts seem noble.
19. COVID-Christmas Observation
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1606018693434994688
📅 December 22, 2022 – 10:07 PM
“Everyone has Covid. Looks like it’s gonna be an Orthodox Christmas this year. 🎄”
Referencing a seasonal COVID-19 surge, Maher joked that delays in gatherings could shift celebrations to January 7, aligning with Orthodox Christmas. The post reflected continued pandemic fatigue and its cultural impact.
20. Tech Leadership Humor
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1605932884111478784
📅 December 22, 2022 – 4:26 PM
“Is it an honor to even be nominated?”
In response to:
A Quartz article about potential Twitter CEOs after Elon Musk’s resignation poll, featuring Snoop Dogg.
Maher wryly acknowledged her mention in a speculative piece about Musk’s replacement. The light-hearted tone contrasted with later controversy surrounding her NPR leadership and history of tech activism.
21. Twitter’s Fragile Infrastructure
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1593619868439322625
📅 November 18, 2022 – 4:59 PM
“This is an excellent thread on the systems challenges that can take down a popular website. I’ve, uh, seen some of these, and there but for the grace of excellent engineering teams go we all.”
Maher shared a thread by an SRE expert outlining technical vulnerabilities Twitter could face after Elon Musk’s takeover. With her background at Wikimedia, she underscored the critical role of engineering in maintaining digital stability.
22. Manufactured World Cup Fandom
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1597312400315023360
📅 November 28, 2022 – 9:32 PM
“Once you see it you can’t unsee it.”
In response to:
Evan Hill’s tweet about Qatar using paid Lebanese fans to boost stadium support.
Maher highlighted reports that Qatar hired foreign fans to simulate local support during the 2022 World Cup. Her brief remark pointed to the performative nature of such displays and their implications for authenticity.
23. Celebrating Messi’s Moment
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1604544537191485441
📅 December 18, 2022 – 8:30 PM
“Yay for Messi and only Messi.”
Maher celebrated Lionel Messi’s first World Cup win in 2022, favoring the Argentine star in what many called one of the greatest finals. Her tweet aligns with the global sentiment around Messi’s career-defining victory.
24. A Love-Hate World Cup
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1604542558121603072
📅 December 18, 2022 – 8:22 PM
“The world is bad. FIFA is bad. Soccer is so fucking good it hurts.”
This emotionally charged tweet reflected Maher’s conflicted view of the World Cup: passionate love for the game, deep disappointment in FIFA. It captured a widespread fan dilemma amid Qatar’s human rights controversies and FIFA’s legacy of corruption.
25. The Death of Internet Idealism
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1603936997147611137
📅 December 17, 2022 – 4:15 AM
“Many people who thought this was a good idea in the 90s have since roundly repudiated libertarian internet ideals. Because 1) we live corporal lives subject to harm 2) those people grew up. Unfortunately no one likes a Cassandra, and many of these voices are no longer in favor.”
In response to: Max Fisher’s thread on libertarian internet culture and the dismantling of institutions.
Maher critiqued early internet libertarianism and the shift toward institutional dismantling by tech elites. Referencing the Cassandra metaphor, she lamented how accurate but inconvenient critics often get ignored.
26. Reflecting on 14 Years on the Platform
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1590878862438993921
📅 November 11, 2022 – 3:27 AM
“It’s been a fun 14 years on this hellsite, kiddos. Thanks for all the fish.”
Katherine Maher’s tweet references The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and signals a farewell to Twitter amid Elon Musk’s 2022 takeover. The post reflects her likely disapproval of the platform’s new direction during a period of mass layoffs and user decline. As a digital rights advocate, her departure aligned with concerns over Twitter’s changing values.
27. Sarcasm About Gender Roles in Tech Crises
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1590933230471024640
📅 November 11, 2022 – 7:03 AM
“Is this about the time Twitter gives up and brings in a woman to fix things?”
Posted during Twitter’s chaos after Musk’s takeover, Maher mocks the pattern of bringing in women to fix failures. The tweet resurfaced in 2024 after she became NPR CEO, drawing criticism of pre-Musk leadership and its moderation policies. It also connects to wider debates over content control and gender roles in tech.
28. Support for Building a Better Public Square
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1593447641869733888
📅 November 18, 2022 – 5:34 AM
“My maudlin sentiment aside, Twitter’s been a real spot for real and really important moments. There are folks trying to reconstruct it, but better. One of them is my friend @gabor. I’m going to try and help him. Hope we might see you all there.”
Maher reflects on Twitter’s civic value and backs T2, a platform by Gabor Cselle aimed at better moderation. Her support aligned with her digital governance background and criticism of Musk’s approach. Pebble, T2’s later name, shut down in 2023 but aimed to offer a safer alternative.
29. Pandas and Existential Commentary
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1593447115916775426
📅 November 18, 2022 – 5:32 AM
“If pandas can’t breed independently of humans maybe they shouldn’t exist. 🐼 #ByeTwitter”
Maher’s sarcastic take on panda reproduction reflects her provocative style and joined the 2022 wave of #ByeTwitter posts. While the comment oversimplifies conservation, real challenges stem from habitat loss, not biology.
30. Gender Bias in Start-Up Culture
Source: https://x.com/krmaher/status/1592926445470646274
📅 November 16, 2022 – 7:03 PM
“When I was running Wikimedia I would wake up at 4am just to give my curly hair time to dry before any public appearance. So, yeah.”
Responding to a post about Sam Bankman-Fried’s casual look, Maher points out how women in leadership face stricter appearance standards. Her tweet highlights broader issues of gender bias and unequal treatment in startup culture and funding.
NPR CEO Katherine Maher Criticized Over Past Tweets and Alleged Bias
Katherine Maher is facing scrutiny after old tweets resurfaced showing strong progressive views and criticism of Donald Trump. The backlash intensified following claims by veteran editor Uri Berliner that NPR’s leadership fosters liberal bias, sparking internal and public debate over the outlet’s neutrality.
Before joining NPR in January 2024, Maher led the Wikimedia Foundation and held communications roles at UNICEF, the World Bank, and HSBC. This is her first job in journalism.
Criticism centers on past tweets, including a 2018 post calling Trump a racist and others showing support for Democratic figures. During the 2020 George Floyd protests, she commented on looting and stated “White silence is complicity.” These posts have been widely shared by conservative voices like Elon Musk and Christopher Rufo, raising questions about her editorial objectivity.
The issue escalated after Berliner’s essay in The Free Press accused NPR of pushing a progressive agenda. He cited the network’s handling of the Hunter Biden laptop story and alignment with Democrats on key issues. Berliner also noted that all 87 editorial staffers he reviewed were registered Democrats. His essay led to division within NPR—some backed him privately, others criticized his approach. Berliner was suspended without pay and later resigned.
Maher responded by defending NPR’s mission and ethics, stating she does not influence editorial decisions and supports open discussion. She reaffirmed NPR’s independence and called on the public to judge its journalism, not individual tweets.
Despite her statements, Republican lawmakers have renewed calls to reconsider NPR’s federal funding. Maher now faces continued pressure as she settles into her leadership role.
Conclusion
Katherine Maher’s tweets continue to be a focal point in public discussions about NPR’s direction under her leadership. While she has defended her past statements and emphasized her current separation from editorial decisions, criticism remains strong from political figures and commentators who question her neutrality. The controversy has also intensified ongoing debates about media trust, leadership bias, and government funding. NPR’s response to these challenges will likely shape its credibility and public perception moving forward.
