Meta has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The case involved the suspension of his Facebook and Instagram accounts after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The settlement directs $22 million to fund Trump’s future presidential library, while the rest covers legal fees and payments to other litigants.
Background of the Meta Lawsuit
Meta suspended Trump’s accounts in January 2021 after he made claims of widespread electoral fraud. Those statements led to an attack on the U.S. Capitol. In response, Trump sued Meta, Twitter (now X), and Google, arguing that they unlawfully censored conservative viewpoints.
His Facebook and Instagram accounts were reinstated in early 2023, though they remained subject to stricter content moderation policies. To avoid prolonged litigation, Meta ultimately decided to settle.
Meta’s Changing Stance Under Trump’s Presidency
Meta’s settlement aligns with recent actions indicating a shift in its relationship with Trump’s administration:
- Zuckerberg’s Outreach: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg attended Trump’s inauguration and met with him at Mar-a-Lago in November. They reportedly discussed the lawsuit and policy matters.
- Policy Revisions: In January, Meta announced the rollback of fact-checking and moderation across its platforms. This move aligned with longstanding demands from Trump and his allies.
- Personnel & Contributions: Meta appointed Republican strategist Joel Kaplan as its chief global affairs officer. Additionally, it added UFC CEO Dana White, a Trump ally, to its board. The company also contributed $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund.
Legal and Political Implications
Trump has consistently criticized big tech censorship. He has pushed for reforms to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields social media companies from liability over user content.
His settlement with Meta follows a similar agreement with ABC News, which paid $15 million toward his presidential library to resolve a defamation lawsuit.
Furthermore, Trump has taken legal action against CBS News and The Des Moines Register, alleging election-related misinformation and unfair media coverage. These cases reflect his broader strategy of challenging major media corporations as he solidifies influence for his second term.
Conclusion
Meta’s settlement with Trump signals a realignment between the tech industry and his administration. While the payout is significant, the accompanying policy shifts and political moves are even more noteworthy. This deal suggests a recalibration of Meta’s stance on conservative viewpoints and content moderation. As Trump continues to challenge media narratives and big tech policies, this legal settlement may have lasting effects.