Meta Agrees to $25 Million Settlement with Donald Trump Over Account Suspension

Meta Platforms Inc. has agreed to a $25 million settlement with former President Donald Trump following the suspension of his accounts after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. The settlement includes $22 million designated for Trump's future presidential library and the remaining $3 million allocated for legal fees. Additionally, Meta has made a $1 million donation to Trump's inaugural committee.

This agreement marks a significant development in the relationship between Trump and major technology companies. Trump has a history of litigating against media organizations, including ongoing lawsuits against CBS News and The Des Moines Register. The settlement with Meta reflects a broader trend of tech companies seeking to improve relations with Trump, as evidenced by meetings and contributions, such as the donation to his inaugural committee.

In related news, Meta reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter, exceeding Wall Street's expectations. The company achieved a net income of $20.83 billion, a 49% increase from the previous year, and revenue rose 21% to $48.39 billion, primarily driven by increased ad revenue. CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted significant progress in AI, expecting Meta AI to reach over 1 billion people in 2025.