Meta has agreed to pay Donald Trump $25 million to settle a lawsuit he filed in 2021. Trump claimed Facebook and Instagram wrongfully censored him after the US Capitol riot.
The lawsuit was against Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. The settlement is hailed as an ultimate triumph for Trump, who felt persecuted in the lead-up to his re-election bid in 2021.
Some online sources say $22 million will help fund Trump’s future presidential library. The rest will cover legal fees and payments to other plaintiffs.
A Meta spokesperson confirmed the settlement.
READ ALSO | Meta Facebook Fined $840 Million by EU for Antitrust Breach
Trump criticized social media platforms for suspending his accounts after January 6, 2021, and made comments that some saw as praising the violence. Recently, tech billionaires like Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, both of whom attended Trump’s presidential inauguration last week, have warmed up to him and could potentially play significant roles in shaping future tech and economic policies of his administration.
Zuckerberg has shown support for Trump. He has adjusted Meta’s policies to ease restrictions on some content. “We will be restoring free expression on our platforms,” Zuckerberg said. He also mentioned his meeting with Trump in Florida last November.
In December, a left-leaning ABC News paid $15 million to settle a defamation lawsuit from Trump. This lawsuit arose from comments made by a top anchor about him.
Earlier on Wednesday, Meta reported a 59% increase in net income, reaching $62.36 billion for the year.
Like 👍, Comment, share this article, and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
