Twitter Inc. rejected Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s request to pause an upcoming trial over his $44 billion takeover of the social media company, saying the billionaire “can and should” close the deal next week.

Twitter Inc.’s lawsuit against Tesla CEO Elon Musk over a canceled $44 billion buyout of the social media platform is set for a five-day trial starting Oct. 17 in Delaware, a judge ruled.

Twitter Inc. sued billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk over his abandoned $44 billion takeover bid, asking a judge to force him to follow through on his offer.