Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to pay $25 million to settle former President Donald Trump’s lawsuit over his social media ban. The lawsuit, filed in 2021, accused Meta of censorship after suspending Trump’s accounts following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
“According to reports, $22 million from the settlement will go toward Trump’s presidential library, while the remaining $3 million will cover legal fees and other plaintiffs involved in the case.”
Meta did not issue a statement on the matter, and the White House also declined to comment.
Trump had sued Meta, Twitter, and Google, claiming their actions violated his First Amendment rights. However, legal experts noted that the First Amendment applies to government restrictions on speech, not private companies. His lawsuits against Twitter and Google were dismissed or closed.
Meta initially banned Trump indefinitely but later changed the suspension to two years. In January 2023, the company reinstated his accounts with new restrictions. The settlement marks the end of Trump’s legal battle with Meta but raises questions about social media companies’ power over public figures.
Trump previously criticized Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, for banning him but later met with him at Mar-a-Lago after winning the 2024 election. Reports suggest that resolving this lawsuit was a step toward rebuilding their relationship.
Judge William Alsup, who oversaw the case, had previously expressed skepticism about Trump’s arguments. He questioned whether Trump, known for his outspoken nature, could genuinely claim he was “chilled” from speaking online.
The case highlights the ongoing debate over social media censorship and the influence of tech companies in politics. Supporters of Trump argue that platforms unfairly target conservatives, while critics say companies have the right to enforce content policies.
With the settlement finalized, attention now shifts to how Trump and social media companies will navigate free speech concerns as he prepares for the 2026 elections.
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