Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has lifted restrictions on former US President Donald Trump’s accounts, allowing him to post without penalties.
Trump’s accounts were suspended indefinitely in 2021 after his supporters stormed the US Capitol, and he was found to have praised violent behavior on social media. Although reinstated in February 2023, his accounts were subject to heightened suspension penalties for future breaches. However, Meta has now lifted these restrictions, stating that “former President Trump, as the nominee of the Republican Party, will no longer be subject to the heightened suspension penalties.”
In a blog post, Meta explained that it believes the American people should be able to hear from presidential nominees on the same basis, while also emphasizing that Trump’s accounts will still be subject to community standards designed to prevent hate speech and incitement to violence. Trump, who was banned from Twitter and YouTube, mainly uses his own social media platform, Truth Social, but his Facebook profile, with 34 million followers, will now feature messages, rally invitations, and campaign videos.
