Meta has agreed to pay President Donald Trump $25 million to settle a lawsuit stemming from the company’s decision to suspend his social media accounts in 2021. The agreement, filed Wednesday in California, resolves a dispute that began when Facebook and Instagram removed Trump following the Jan. 6 protests.
Trump’s legal action challenged the ban, arguing that the decision was politically motivated and unfairly targeted conservatives. Meta initially made the suspension indefinite but later adjusted it to a two-year ban. The company claimed Trump’s posts violated platform policies and posed a public safety risk.
Fork It Over, Zuck: Meta Agrees to Pay Donald Trump $25 Million for Suspending His Account https://t.co/U98xZpX5z3
— It’s Chinatown, Jake (@DetectiveJake1) January 30, 2025
According to reports, $22 million of the settlement will go toward funding Trump’s future presidential library, while the remaining $3 million will cover legal fees and payments to other plaintiffs in the case. The Wall Street Journal first revealed the settlement details.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg met privately with Trump in November 2024 after his reelection. Their discussion reportedly included the lawsuit and other concerns about tech industry regulations. Weeks later, Zuckerberg was present at Trump’s inauguration and attended an exclusive black-tie event.
Beyond the settlement, Meta has taken steps to align itself more closely with the new administration. The company made a $1 million contribution to Trump’s inaugural committee and adjusted its content moderation policies, reducing its reliance on fact-checking.
ABC News recently reached a separate settlement with Trump, agreeing to a $15 million payout related to a defamation case.
