YouTube Settles Trump’s Suspension Lawsuit for $24.5M
YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump over his account suspension following the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. This settlement makes YouTube the last of the major social media platforms to resolve disputes with Trump, following similar agreements with Meta and X.
- Meta: $25 million
- X: $10 million
Under the agreement, $22 million will go toward the construction of a new White House ballroom, while $2.5 million will be distributed to other plaintiffs. These include the American Conservative Union and author Naomi Wolf.
YouTube suspended Trump’s account in 2021, citing concerns that his content violated policies against inciting violence. The platform restored his channel in 2023. This settlement comes as tech companies have adopted a more conciliatory approach toward Trump since his return to office.
Legal experts note that private companies typically have the right to moderate their platforms. However, these settlements reflect the changed political landscape. YouTube emphasized that the agreement “shall not constitute an admission of liability or fault.”