
Meta will pay $25 million to President Donald Trump in a settlement resolving his lawsuit over the suspension of his social media accounts. The agreement, filed Wednesday in California, ends a dispute that began after Trump was banned from Facebook and Instagram in 2021.
Meta justified the removal of Trump’s accounts by claiming his posts following the Jan. 6 protests violated platform rules. Initially, the company announced an indefinite ban before adjusting it to a two-year suspension. Trump later sued, arguing that Meta’s actions amounted to censorship targeting conservatives.
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
Under the settlement’s terms, $22 million will be placed in a fund for Trump’s presidential library, while $3 million will be used to cover legal fees and other plaintiffs in the case. The Wall Street Journal first reported details of the settlement agreement.
Mark Zuckerberg met privately with Trump in November 2024 after his reelection, where the lawsuit was reportedly discussed. The Meta CEO later attended Trump’s inauguration and was among the high-profile business leaders at a private event during the ceremonies.
Meta’s recent moves indicate a shift in its relationship with the Trump administration. Along with the settlement, the company contributed $1 million to Trump’s inaugural committee and adjusted its approach to fact-checking and content moderation.
This is one of several legal cases Trump has recently resolved. ABC News also agreed to a $15 million settlement in a separate lawsuit related to defamation claims.