YouTube Agrees to $24.5 Million Settlement Over Trump Account Suspension
In a significant development, Alphabet, the parent company of 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 US Capitol attack. The settlement marks another major victory for Trump, who was previously suspended from major social media platforms.
According to court documents, Alphabet will contribute $22 million to the Trust for the National Mall, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity dedicated to restoring, preserving, and elevating the National Mall. This donation is specifically earmarked for the construction of the White House State Ballroom, a project announced by Trump in recent weeks. The remaining $2.5 million will be distributed among other plaintiffs involved in the case.
The lawsuit was filed in 2021 after YouTube suspended Trump's account following the January 6 incident, which saw a mob of his supporters storm the US Capitol building. The suspension was part of a broader effort by social media companies to restrict Trump's online presence in the wake of the attack.
"This settlement is another example of how President Trump continues to use the courts to achieve his goals," said an expert on social media law, who wished to remain anonymous. "While it may seem unusual for a company like Alphabet to contribute millions of dollars to a project like the White House State Ballroom, it's clear that this settlement was negotiated as part of a broader agreement."
The settlement is the latest in a series of high-profile agreements reached by Trump and his team. In recent months, Trump has secured significant payouts from major social media companies, including Twitter and Facebook.
According to sources close to the matter, the $22 million donation to the Trust for the National Mall will be used specifically for the construction of the White House State Ballroom, which is expected to be a major addition to the National Mall. The project has been touted by Trump as a way to "elevate" the National Mall and provide a new venue for events and ceremonies.
The settlement marks a significant victory for Trump, who has long been critical of social media companies' efforts to restrict his online presence. However, experts say that the agreement may also have implications for future free speech debates on social media platforms.
"This settlement highlights the ongoing tension between social media companies and users like President Trump," said the expert. "While it's clear that companies like Alphabet are willing to pay significant sums to avoid further controversy, it remains to be seen how this will impact future debates over free speech and online content moderation."
In a statement, a spokesperson for YouTube confirmed the settlement, saying: "We're pleased to have reached an agreement with President Trump and his team. We continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our users, and we believe that this settlement reflects our commitment to those values."
The current status of the White House State Ballroom project remains unclear, but sources close to the matter say that construction is expected to begin in the coming months.
This story was compiled from reports by Ars Technica and Ars Technica.
