By DAYO ADESULU
Meta to Pay Trump $25 Million in Lawsuit Settlement Over Facebook, Instagram Ban
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to pay former U.S. President Donald Trump $25 million to settle a lawsuit he filed in 2021. The lawsuit claimed he was wrongfully censored following the January 6 Capitol riot. The Wall Street Journal first reported the settlement, marking a significant legal victory for Trump.
Breakdown of the Settlement
According to sources familiar with the agreement, the settlement includes:
- $22 million allocated to funding Trump’s future presidential library.
- The remaining amount covering legal fees and payments to other plaintiffs involved in the case.
- No admission of wrongdoing from Meta regarding Trump’s social media suspensions.
A Meta spokesperson confirmed the settlement to AFP, highlighting the company’s decision to resolve the lawsuit without further litigation.
Background: Trump’s Social Media Ban
Following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms suspended Trump’s accounts. The bans were imposed due to statements he made that were perceived as inciting or praising violence. Trump has since been critical of major tech companies for their content moderation policies.
Trump’s Relationship with Tech Leaders
In recent months, Trump has sought to improve relations with tech executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and X (formerly Twitter) owner Elon Musk. Both attended Trump’s presidential inauguration last week in Washington, signaling potential shifts in policy and partnerships.
Zuckerberg, who dined with Trump at his Florida estate in November, has expressed support for restoring more political content on Meta’s platforms. He recently announced a rollback of certain fact-checking operations, emphasizing a renewed commitment to “restoring free expression.”
Media Industry Reactions and Trends
This settlement is the latest in a series of high-profile legal resolutions involving Trump and major media companies:
- ABC News recently paid $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit brought by Trump.
- Other media corporations are reportedly preparing for a potential second Trump presidency by adjusting their policies and legal strategies.
Meta’s Financial Performance
Despite ongoing legal challenges, Meta reported impressive financial growth:
- Net income soared by 59%, reaching $62.36 billion for the full year.
- The company continues to refine its content moderation policies amid ongoing political and public scrutiny.
What’s Next?
As Trump continues his legal battles and political resurgence, this settlement underscores the evolving relationship between tech giants and political figures. With Meta making policy adjustments and other media corporations taking strategic steps, the digital landscape remains dynamic ahead of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
