Google settles Trump Lawsuit Over YouTube Account Suspension for $24.5 million
Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has reached a $24.5 million settlement resolving a lawsuit filed by former President Donald Trump against YouTube. The suit stemmed from the suspension of Trump’s account following the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
A meaningful portion of the settlement-$22 million-will be directed to the Trust for the National Mall. This 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the National Mall, and will specifically support the construction of a planned 90,000-square-foot White House State Ballroom. Trump recently unveiled plans for this ambitious project.
The settlement extends beyond Trump’s individual claim. An additional $2.5 million will be distributed among other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union and several individual claimants: Andrew Baggiani, Austen Fletcher, Maryse Veronica Jean-Louis, frank valentine, Kelly Victory, and naomi Wolf. Importantly, Alphabet has not admitted any wrongdoing as part of this agreement.
Following the events of January 6, 2021, Trump faced suspension from multiple major social media platforms. He was also impeached by the House of Representatives on charges of inciting insurrection.
This settlement mirrors similar resolutions reached with other tech companies. Meta platforms settled a comparable lawsuit earlier this year for $25 million, with $22 million earmarked for Trump’s presidential libary. Furthermore, X (formerly Twitter) agreed to a $10 million settlement in february.
Sources indicate Google aimed for a settlement amount lower than Meta’s. This strategy suggests a competitive dynamic between the tech giants regarding these types of legal challenges.
This case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding content moderation and the responsibilities of social media platforms.It also underscores the legal and financial implications of suspending high-profile accounts.
