According to a WSJ article, Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has settled a suit brought by Donald Trump, the US President, and others over its decision to block him following the US Capitol riot of January 6, 2021.
Trump first filed a lawsuit against Twitter in 2021, and the then-CEO Jack Dorsey. He claimed that the deplatforming of his account violated the rights he had.
Trump used his platform to make false accusations of voter fraud after losing the election in 2020 and rally support for the event “Stop the Steal”, which resulted in the attack on the Capitol.
Twitter stated at that time, the suspension of Twitter was needed to stop further violence.
Twitter suspended Trump’s account two day after the riots citing incitement of violence.
This lawsuit is part of an broader effort to sue major social media firms, such as Meta (formerly Facebook), and Google for blocking Trump’s account following the Capitol Riots.
Musk, following an online poll in November 2022 after purchasing Twitter, reinstated Trump’s account, signaling the shift of platform policy that he would be leading.
Trump’s social media and settlements
X has agreed to pay approximately $10 million as part of a settlement for the litigation relating to Donald Trump’s suspension.
This settlement brings to an end a long legal fight that was appealed in 2022 after a judge dismissed the case.
According to the report, earlier this week, the motion was granted for dismissal of the appeal following the settlement.
This settlement was reached just one month after Meta paid $25 million in a lawsuit involving Trump’s Facebook page.
The remaining $3 million went to Trump’s legal fees and other plaintiffs who joined the lawsuit. The $3 million remaining was allocated to Trump’s attorney fees as well as other plaintiffs in the case.
Trump’s lawyers are reportedly negotiating a settlement agreement with Google regarding its decision to block him from YouTube following the Capitol Riots.
Elon Musk is now the head of the Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s Administration. He has been criticized for his close relationship with the President.
ABC News settled a lawsuit for defamation filed by Donald Trump in December with a settlement of $15 million.
ABC News reported that as part of the agreement the amount received would be donated towards Trump’s future museum and presidential foundation.
Musk and Trump
Musk, a close advisor to Trump, has shown strong support for Trump by contributing more than $250 million towards his campaign.
Musk is the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency. This initiative aims to reduce government costs.
Musk is a leader in the effort to reduce federal government size.
Doge representatives, an initiative aligned to Musk, were deployed in various departments for the purpose of monitoring spending. They also offered millions of federal workers voluntary departure packages.
The initiative also froze federal funds and stopped the work of some agencies including US Agency for International Development.
Elon Musk’s X to settle Trump lawsuit with around $10M. This article may change as new developments unfold.
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