Meta to Pay Trump $25M in Settlement Over Social Media Ban Lawsuit

The agreement Includes Funding for Trump’s Presidential Library
Social media giant Meta has agreed to pay former U.S. President Donald Trump $25 million to settle a lawsuit he filed in 2021, alleging wrongful censorship on Facebook and Instagram following the U.S. Capitol riot.

The settlement, seen as a victory for Trump, was first reported by The Wall Street Journal and later confirmed by Meta.

According to sources familiar with the agreement, $22 million of the settlement will go toward funding Trump’s future presidential library, while the remaining amount will cover legal fees and compensation for other plaintiffs in the case.

Meta Settles Without Admitting Wrongdoing
Although Meta has agreed to the payout, the company did not admit to any wrongdoing regarding Trump’s suspension from its platforms.

Trump had been banned from Facebook and Instagram following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, after his comments were interpreted as praising those involved in the violence.

Despite his past criticism of social media platforms, Trump has recently reconnected with tech industry leaders, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and billionaire Elon Musk, both of whom attended his recent presidential inauguration in Washington.

Zuckerberg Signals Shift in Meta’s Policies
Reports indicate that Zuckerberg has expressed support for Trump and has introduced policy changes within Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp.

In a recent announcement, he stated:
> “We are restoring free expression on our platforms,”
This move includes rolling back certain fact-checking operations, signaling a shift in how Meta handles political speech.

Media Companies Bracing for a Trump Comeback
The settlement is part of a broader trend of media corporations adjusting their policies in anticipation of Trump’s potential return to power.

In December, ABC News paid $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump over comments made by a top anchor.

Meanwhile, Meta has reported a 59% surge in net income, reaching $62.36 billion for the full year, reflecting its strong financial performance despite the legal settlement.

What’s Your Take?
Do you think Meta’s settlement with Trump signals a shift in how tech companies will handle political figures? Share your thoughts in the comments!