Meta has agreed to pay President Donald Trump $25 million to settle a lawsuit regarding his suspended social media accounts following the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. The settlement, confirmed on January 29, 2025, is viewed as a significant victory for Trump, especially after years of criticism directed at Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg over the suspension of his accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

According to reports from Le Monde, approximately $22 million of the settlement is expected to go towards funding Trump's presidential library, while the remainder will cover legal fees related to the case. Meta maintains that it does not admit wrongdoing with the agreement.

On the same day, Zuckerberg praised the current administration during a Meta earnings call, expressing optimism about redefining the company's relationship with the government. "We now have a U.S. administration that is proud of our leading companies," he stated, highlighting a favorable outlook for American technology (The Hill).

The settlement has elicited harsh critiques from lawmakers, particularly from Senator Elizabeth Warren, who referred to the deal as a "bribe." In a statement, she remarked, "It looks like a bribe and a signal to every company that corruption is the name of the game" (The Hill).

The unfolding events mark a notable alignment between Trump and Meta, which had previously seen increasing hostilities. Tech companies including Meta have faced scrutiny for allegations of censorship against conservative voices, which Trump and his allies have consistently raised. The settlement not only alters Meta's public relations landscape but also raises questions about the influence of large corporations in political matters.

For more information on this topic, visit The Hill.