YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by former President Donald Trump over the suspension of his channel.
The lawsuit stemmed from YouTube’s decision to ban Trump’s account in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Trump’s legal team argued the move was politically motivated and amounted to a violation of his First Amendment rights.
While YouTube denied any wrongdoing, the company chose to settle the case to put the dispute behind them.
As part of the agreement, $22 million will go to the Trust for the National Mall, which will use the funds to help construct a new White House State Ballroom, a project Trump has long supported. Another $2.5 million will be distributed among co-plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union and author Naomi Wolf.
Trump’s attorneys hailed the outcome as a major win for conservatives and free speech advocates. “This settlement proves no platform is beyond accountability,” one lawyer stated.
The resolution follows similar victories for Trump against other social media giants this year. Meta settled for $25 million, and X (formerly Twitter) paid $10 million, bringing Trump’s total settlements from Big Tech disputes to over $57 million.
Supporters say these settlements highlight growing resistance to what they call censorship of conservative voices online. Critics of Big Tech argue that platforms hold too much sway over political speech and public debate.
The Trust for the National Mall welcomed the contribution, calling it vital for preserving one of the nation’s most important landmarks. Trump has directed settlement funds to initiatives reinforcing American heritage and patriotic traditions.
Commentators note that YouTube’s decision to settle underscores the increasing pressure on tech companies to rethink their content moderation policies—particularly when it comes to high-profile political figures.
“The message is clear: platforms that silence voices will be held accountable,” Trump’s legal team said in a statement.
