YouTube Settlement
Former President Donald Trump is set to receive $22 million from a YouTube settlement following his suspension from the platform after the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection. The total settlement for all plaintiffs, which includes organizations and individuals such as the American Conservative Union and Naomi Wolf, is $24.5 million, with $2.5 million going to the other plaintiffs.
The settlement funds will be placed into an entity called the Trust for the National Mall, which is tax-exempt.
Background
Trump’s account suspension on YouTube followed the storming of the US Capitol by his supporters, during which protesters breached the building, brought makeshift gallows, and displayed Confederate flags. The suspension lasted two years before his profile was restored ahead of the subsequent election, which Trump claimed restricted his constitutional right to free speech.
YouTube is not the first tech company to settle with Trump over social media suspensions. Earlier settlements include:
- Meta (Facebook and Instagram): $22 million donation to Trump’s presidential library, plus $3 million in legal fees.
- X (formerly Twitter): $10 million settlement, reported in February 2025.
Donald and Melania Trump at the United Nations (Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
Planned Use of Settlement Funds
Trump has announced that a significant portion of the YouTube settlement will go toward the construction of the White House Ballroom, a lavish renovation project he has frequently discussed in media appearances. The total project is estimated to cost approximately $200 million, making the $22 million settlement a contribution rather than full funding.
Trump, known for his extravagant taste in interior design — described as “if King Midas walked into the Palace of Versailles and sneezed” — will use these funds to advance the White House Ballroom project, continuing his vision for the space.
Everyone remembers what happened on January 6. (Win McNamee / Staff / Getty)
Key Takeaway
The YouTube settlement underscores ongoing disputes between former President Trump and tech platforms over content moderation and account suspensions, while also providing Trump with millions to support his high-profile renovation project.
