Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to pay former President Donald Trump approximately $25 million as part of a settlement resolving a lawsuit filed in 2021 after the company suspended his Facebook accounts. The suspension occurred in the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, which prompted Trump to take legal action against the social media giant.
Background of the lawsuit
Trump’s lawsuit stemmed from the decision to take his accounts offline following the Capitol riots, during which he made statements that were deemed inciting. Sources familiar with the settlement revealed that Trump signed the agreement on Wednesday, and Meta later confirmed these reports.
The settlement comes shortly after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was spotted alongside other tech leaders at Trump’s inauguration, indicating a thawing in their previously strained relationship. In recent months, Zuckerberg has made efforts to improve ties with Trump, including a dinner at Mar-a-Lago shortly after the election.
Mediation and discussions
During their November dinner, Trump reportedly raised the lawsuit with Zuckerberg, suggesting it needed resolution before he could be “brought into the tent.” Following this discussion, Zuckerberg returned to Florida in early January for mediation talks. Notably, Trump briefly stepped out during this session to attend sentencing related to his high-profile hush money trial.
Suspension of accounts linked to January 6 events
Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended in 2021 due to posts he made that were linked to the violent events of January 6. In the days leading up to the insurrection, he repeatedly used his platforms to propagate false claims about winning the 2020 election and alleged widespread voter fraud. On the day of the Capitol riot, he urged his followers to “fight like hell.”
The lawsuit against Meta was one of several legal actions Trump initiated in July 2021 after leaving office. He also filed lawsuits against Twitter (now known as X) and YouTube, claiming that “censorship runs rampant” and arguing that it created a chilling effect on vital political discussions.
Trump sought not only an injunction to reinstate his Facebook accounts but also demanded the removal of warning labels from his content.
Implications of the settlement
This settlement marks a significant moment in Trump’s ongoing legal battles and his relationship with social media platforms. As both parties move forward from this contentious chapter, questions remain about how this resolution will impact Trump’s future engagement with social media and public discourse.