Fact Checking

(Media News) Meta Lifts All Restrictions on Trump’s Facebook and Instagram Accounts

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On Friday, Meta removed all restrictions on former President Donald Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, enabling him to fully resume his social media activities ahead of the November election. Trump’s accounts were suspended in January 2021 following the Capitol Riots, where his perceived role in inciting the violence led to the ban.

Meta’s independent Oversight Board initially recommended more definitive rules for Trump’s suspension, resulting in a two-year framework for future decisions. Now, Meta has confirmed Trump’s accounts are fully reinstated.

Meta explained their decision, stating, “With the party conventions taking place shortly, including the Republican convention this week, the candidates for President of the United States will soon be formally nominated. In assessing our responsibility to allow political expression, we believe that the American people should be able to hear from the nominees for President on the same basis. As a result, former President Trump, as the nominee of the Republican Party, will no longer be subject to the heightened suspension penalties.”

This reinstatement means Trump’s posts will be treated like any other user’s under Meta’s Community Standards. Despite his ties to Truth Social, Trump’s return to Facebook could be impactful, given his campaign’s previous heavy spending on Facebook ads, with over $20 million spent in 2019 alone.

Currently, Trump’s Facebook promotions focus on his upcoming appearances and campaign donations. However, in previous elections, he used Facebook and Instagram to target specific groups with divisive statements to mobilize voters.