President Donald Trump has signed a settlement agreement with Meta Platforms, marking the conclusion of a legal battle that began after Meta suspended Trump’s accounts following the January 6 Capitol attack.
The deal, finalized at the White House on Wednesday, was confirmed by a source familiar with the matter.
As part of the agreement, Meta will pay approximately $25 million.
Of this, $22 million will be allocated to a fund supporting Trump’s planned presidential library, with the remainder covering attorneys’ fees and payments to other plaintiffs, the source added.
The settlement reflects a shift in the relationship between Trump and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
After Trump’s 2024 election win, Zuckerberg made efforts to strengthen ties, including a $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration and attending events alongside key administration officials.
Meta has also relaxed its content moderation policies on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, moving toward a system resembling Elon Musk’s “community notes” on X and cutting partnerships with third-party fact-checking organizations.
Trump and Zuckerberg reportedly discussed the lawsuit during a meeting at Trump’s private club in November, following the presidential election.
While Meta and the White House have not commented on the settlement, The Wall Street Journal first reported the agreement.
This deal highlights a significant evolution in Trump and Zuckerberg’s relationship, which was previously marked by public clashes.
Over the summer, Trump accused Zuckerberg of undermining him and even suggested in his book that the CEO could face imprisonment.
In recent weeks, Meta has made notable moves aligning with Trump’s vision for American businesses and social media.
Earlier this month, the company announced the termination of its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, a decision consistent with Trump’s critiques of such programs.
Meta has also strengthened ties with Trump allies, appointing UFC president Dana White to its board of directors and elevating Republican leader Joel Kaplan to its top policy executive role.
Additionally, the company revamped its content moderation policies, replacing third-party fact-checking partnerships with user driven “community notes” and reducing automated moderation changes long championed by conservative critics who have decried perceived censorship on social media platforms.
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The agreement underscores the ongoing political and cultural influence of Trump’s presidency on major corporations and their policies.