Former President Donald Trump and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, have settled a lawsuit. The agreement requires Meta to pay Trump $25 million, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The lawsuit stemmed from Meta’s decision to suspend Trump’s accounts for nearly two years. The ban followed the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
On that day, Trump posted a video on social media, reiterating claims of election fraud. He also appeared to commend the rioters.
Meta removed the video and initially imposed a temporary suspension. The company later extended the ban to two years, citing concerns about potential violence.
As part of the settlement, Meta will pay Trump $25 million. According to The Wall Street Journal, $22 million will go toward a fund for Trump’s presidential library.
The settlement also marks a shift in Trump’s relationship with Meta and its CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.
Tensions date back to 2016 when Trump repeatedly accused Facebook of suppressing conservative voices. Despite this, signs of reconciliation emerged in 2019. Zuckerberg met with Trump at the White House for a private dinner that year.
In December, Meta donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund. The donation was widely viewed as an effort to mend relations.
Zuckerberg further signaled a thaw in tensions by meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago after the election. He also attended Trump’s inauguration earlier this month.
Sources familiar with the agreement told The Wall Street Journal that Trump is expected to sign the settlement in the Oval Office on Wednesday.
