Meta announced on Friday that it would be lifting restrictions on Donald Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, which were initially imposed after his supporters stormed the US Capitol in 2021.
The company stated that “former President Trump, as the nominee of the Republican Party, will no longer be subject to the heightened suspension penalties.” Trump’s accounts had been suspended indefinitely immediately after the Capitol attack, following determinations that he had used social media to praise individuals involved in the violence.
Although Trump’s accounts were reinstated in February 2023, they were subject to additional restrictions that Meta has now removed. In a blog post, Meta explained that they are committed to allowing political expression, emphasizing that American people should hear from presidential nominees on equal terms.
However, Meta clarified that US presidential candidates, including Trump, must adhere to the same Community Standards as all other users on Facebook and Instagram. These standards include policies aimed at preventing hate speech and incitement to violence.
Trump, who became the first former president convicted of a crime, had also been banned from Twitter and YouTube, although those bans were lifted last year. Currently, Trump primarily communicates through his own social media platform, Truth Social. His Facebook profile, which has 34 million followers, features content from Truth Social, along with invitations to rallies and videos from his campaign.
