X, Formerly Known as Twitter, Settles Lawsuit with Donald Trump for $10 Million
In 2025, the social media platform X, which was previously known as Twitter, agreed to pay former President Donald Trump $10 million to settle a long-running lawsuit. The lawsuit was about Trump’s account suspension on the platform in early 2021 after the U.S. Capitol riot. This settlement ends a legal battle that started over the removal of Trump’s account, which sparked intense political and legal debates about free speech and censorship on social media.
Background of the Lawsuit
Donald Trump’s Twitter account was permanently suspended in January 2021 following the riots at the U.S. Capitol. Twitter said the ban was because of the risk that Trump’s posts might incite further violence. This decision triggered widespread debate over the role and power of social media companies in regulating speech.
In July 2021, Trump sued Twitter, claiming his suspension violated his First Amendment rights to free speech. However, in 2022 a federal judge dismissed the case, ruling that Twitter as a private company could moderate content as it chose, without First Amendment restrictions.
Elon Musk’s Acquisition and Changing Relations
When Elon Musk bought Twitter in October 2022, he quickly reinstated Trump’s account as part of his promise to overhaul the platform’s approach to moderation and free expression. Musk’s acquisition changed the lawsuit dynamic, as he aligned politically and financially with Trump. Musk’s lawyers negotiated a $10 million settlement to end the litigation.
The Larger Context of Tech Lawsuits Against Trump
Meta Platforms also settled with Trump for $25 million over bans on Facebook and Instagram, while YouTube agreed to pay $24.5 million for suspending his channel. These settlements end years of disputes over political speech and platform policies.
Reactions to the Settlement
Trump called the $10 million a “big discount” and hoped for more. Musk let his lawyers handle the deal and expressed surprise at Trump’s comments.
What Does This Mean for Social Media and Free Speech?
The settlement raises questions about how much control private platforms should have over speech. Courts say platforms can restrict content. Musk’s leadership signals looser moderation on X, where Trump is active again.
Conclusion
The $10 million settlement ends a major chapter in social media history. It shows the balance of power between tech companies and powerful political users and highlights the evolving nature of free speech online.
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