Meta has reached a settlement in the lawsuit concerning the suspension of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s social media accounts but will not admit to any wrongdoing.
The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the settlement, which was seen as a legal victory for Trump. According to sources familiar with the agreement, $22 million of the settlement funds will be allocated to Trump’s future presidential library, while the remaining amount will cover legal expenses and payments to other plaintiffs.
A Meta spokesperson confirmed the settlement to AFP.
Trump has been a vocal critic of social media companies for banning his accounts following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, arguing that the platforms unfairly censored him. However, he has recently sought to build ties with major tech figures, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and X owner Elon Musk, both of whom attended his presidential inauguration last week in Washington.
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Zuckerberg has shown support for Trump and has adjusted Meta’s content policies, easing restrictions across its platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp.
Announcing changes to Meta’s fact-checking policies earlier this month, Zuckerberg stated that the company was “restoring free expression on our platforms.” Reports indicate he dined with Trump at his Florida estate in November.
The settlement follows a trend of media companies making concessions as they prepare for the possibility of Trump returning to office. In December, ABC News agreed to a $15 million settlement to resolve a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump over remarks made by one of its top anchors.
Meanwhile, Meta recently reported a significant financial boost, with its net income rising by 59% to $62.36 billion for the past year.
