YouTube has agreed to pay $22 million to settle a lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump. The lawsuit followed YouTube’s suspension of Trump’s account after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The news was confirmed in a court filing on Monday.
The $22 million settlement will go to the Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit supporting the construction of the White House State Ballroom. This project is part of Trump’s latest initiative at the White House. In addition, YouTube will pay $2.5 million to other Trump allies, including the American Conservative Union.
Trump’s account was blocked on January 12, 2021, due to concerns about potential violence. This action was part of a wider move by major social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, to suspend Trump following the Capitol unrest. The former president had claimed he was wrongfully censored under vague and inconsistent rules.
Legal experts have argued that Trump’s claims were weak, noting that private companies are not bound by the First Amendment, which restricts only government action. YouTube stated that its editorial decisions do not violate free speech rights.
The settlement follows similar agreements with other tech and media companies. Meta previously paid $25 million, while X (formerly Twitter) settled for $10 million. Media companies like Paramount Global have also reached settlements in cases brought by Trump, even when legal experts viewed the claims as questionable.
The move has drawn attention in the United States and internationally, as it touches on debates over free speech, social media responsibility, and legal actions by former political leaders.
Some advocacy groups criticized the settlement, arguing it could encourage efforts to influence media and online platforms in the future.
YouTube’s decision marks another chapter in ongoing legal battles between Trump and major technology companies, reflecting broader tensions between content moderation and political expression.
For a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in the Gaza peace initiative, read our detailed analysis here: Trump and Netanyahu Announce Major Gaza Deal.
