Controversy Surrounds Tobias Thyberg's Deletion of Grindr Account
The controversy over Tobias Thyberg's appointment as national security advisor intensifies following his deletion of a Grindr account.
Key Points
- • Thyberg deleted his Grindr account shortly after his appointment as national security advisor.
- • Private images were sent to the Government Offices 33 minutes post-appointment.
- • Prime Minister Kristersson criticized Thyberg for not disclosing crucial information during vetting.
- • Thyberg claimed he was advised to clean up his social media but was not specifically told to delete Grindr.
Tobias Thyberg's recent appointment as Sweden's national security advisor has ignited a significant controversy, primarily due to his decision to delete his Grindr account shortly after taking up the role. This action has raised important questions regarding transparency and compliance with security protocols within the government.
Thyberg's appointment was announced on May 18, 2025, and just 33 minutes later, private images from his Grindr account were shared with the Government Offices and, subsequently, with various media outlets. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson publicly criticized Thyberg for failing to disclose vital information during the security vetting process. He stated that withholding potentially compromising information is contrary to established protocols and expectations of officials in sensitive positions.
In a communication to Dagens Nyheter, Thyberg acknowledged that he should have informed officials about the private images associated with his Grindr account. He subsequently chose not to assume the position of national security advisor. Thyberg claimed he had been advised by senior officials to clean up his social media presence, mentioning concerns over potential media inquiries into his communications through platforms like Signal. However, he was not specifically directed to delete Grindr, illustrating a nuanced understanding of his advisors' recommendations.
The controversy has led to broader discussions about the vetting process for high-level government positions and the expectations of transparency from those who serve in national security roles. The Government Offices have refrained from commenting on the specifics of internal discussions regarding Thyberg's situation, leaving questions unanswered about the nature of the advice he received and how such incidents might influence future appointments.
As of now, the implications of Thyberg's actions continue to unfold, with scrutiny placed on both his decisions and the processes that allowed for his controversial appointment.