Linda Yaccarino, who became CEO of X (formerly Twitter) in May 2023, has stepped down after two years. She arrived to restore advertiser confidence and help turn X into an “Everything App,” but her time at the company was marked by challenges.

On 9th July, she tweeted about this recent development, leaving many in shock. In her statement, she showed gratitude to users, business partners, and her team.

“X is truly a digital town square for all voices and the world’s most powerful culture signal. We couldn’t have achieved that without the support of our users, business partners, and the most innovative team in the world. “

After two incredible years, I’ve decided to step down as CEO of 𝕏.

When @elonmusk and I first spoke of his vision for X, I knew it would be the opportunity of a lifetime to carry out the extraordinary mission of this company. I’m immensely grateful to him for entrusting me…

— Linda Yaccarino (@lindayaX) July 9, 2025

Why did she resign now?

Her exit came just a day after X’s AI chatbot, Grok, posted antisemitic messages and graphic content. The timing raised eyebrows. While Yaccarino didn’t explain her decision, many believe this incident, combined with ongoing moderation problems, played a major role.

Was she ever really in control as CEO of X?

Not entirely. Analysts say Elon Musk kept control over key areas like product direction, content policies, and ad strategy. For many, Yaccarino’s role looked more like a public-facing title than a position with real power. Some called it a setup from the start.

Did she manage to get anything done?

Yes. Despite her limited authority, Yaccarino was able to bring back major advertisers like Apple and Google. Ad revenue grew by around 15% in 2024, and X projected $2.4 billion in revenue for 2025. She helped steady the business side, even if the platform remained unstable.

What were the biggest challenges in Yaccarino’s journey as a CEO?

Apart from Musk, content moderation was a constant issue. Hate speech and antisemitic posts became more frequent. Things worsened when Grok, the company’s AI bot, praised Hitler and published offensive content.

Musk’s own behavior—like telling advertisers to “go f*** yourself”—didn’t help either.

What happens next?

There’s no new CEO yet. Musk is still in charge, and X is shifting more toward AI and subscriptions. The company still faces legal issues, public criticism, and trust problems with advertisers. As for Yaccarino, reports suggest she might move into politics or advocacy.

So, how will people remember her time at X?

It’s a mixed record. Yaccarino did what she could in a tough environment. She improved ad revenue and tried to rebuild trust. But with little control and constant controversy, her time at X will likely be seen as an uphill battle she was never fully allowed to win.