Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), has reached a Trump lawsuit settlement with former President Donald Trump regarding his deplatforming after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Multiple reports citing sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the lawsuit has been resolved.
Following the events of January 6, social media giants, including X and Meta, suspended Trump’s accounts, citing concerns over incitement of violence. On January 8, 2021, Twitter released a statement explaining that Trump’s account was permanently banned to prevent further unrest.
Court documents filed this week reveal that both parties submitted a motion to dismiss the Trump lawsuit settlement, agreeing to cover their respective legal costs. The dismissal was granted on Monday, officially closing the case.
Trump’s Legal Battle Against X
Trump initially sued Twitter and its then-CEO, Jack Dorsey, in July 2021, arguing that his free speech rights were being violated. The case was dismissed in May 2022 by Judge James Donato of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, ruling that Twitter, as a private company, had not infringed upon Trump’s First Amendment rights. Trump appealed the decision, taking the case to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
However, when Elon Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022 and rebranded it as X, he reinstated Trump’s account, signaling a shift in the platform’s approach to content moderation. Musk, who has become an influential ally to Trump, has expressed his views on free speech and government regulations regarding tech platforms.
Meta Also Reaches Trump Lawsuit Settlement
X isn’t the only social media giant to settle with Trump over his deplatforming. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also reached a Trump lawsuit settlement last month. Reports indicate that Meta agreed to pay approximately $25 million, with $22 million allocated to a fund for Trump’s presidential library.
The relationship between Trump and major tech leaders has evolved in recent years. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who previously faced scrutiny over platform policies, has taken steps that align with Trump’s political stance, including removing third-party fact-checkers and scaling back diversity initiatives.
The Impact of the Trump Lawsuit Settlement
As X and Meta work to mend relationships with Trump, this Trump lawsuit settlement highlights the shifting dynamics between Big Tech and political figures. The outcome of these cases may set a precedent for how social media platforms handle high-profile suspensions and potential legal challenges in the future.
With the 2024 election approaching, the role of social media in political discourse remains a major topic of debate. Musk’s leadership at X continues to reshape the platform’s policies, reinforcing its commitment to free expression while navigating regulatory scrutiny.
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