Saving democracy is quite a prize, but filling one's bank account in the process with big bucks that flowed from the liberal coffers is beyond sweet! Trump secures a monumental win against big tech to the tune of $24,500,000.00. Bingo! YouTube settled with Trump and at the same time, it reinforced free speech and saved democracy to boot!
Get this: In a resounding triumph for free expression and democratic principles, President Donald Trump has clinched a $24.5 million settlement from YouTube, marking the final chapter in his legal crusade against Silicon Valley giants. This victory not only compensates for the unjust suspension of his account but also strikes a blow against the shadowy forces of censorship that threatened to silence dissenting voices in the digital age.
The settlement, detailed in a recent court filing, comes on the heels of similar agreements with Meta and X (formerly Twitter), underscoring Trump's relentless fight to hold tech overlords accountable. YouTube, owned by Alphabet Inc., had suspended Trump's channel in the wake of the January 6, 2021, Capitol events, citing violations of policies against inciting violence. Critics, however, viewed the move as part of a broader campaign by Big Tech to muzzle conservative perspectives under external pressures, a narrative bolstered by admissions from figures like Mark Zuckerberg about facing demands to censor content.
Under the terms of the deal, $22 million will be directed on Trump's behalf to the Trust for the National Mall, funding the construction of a new White House State Ballroom. This philanthropic twist transforms the settlement into a lasting legacy for American heritage, symbolizing a restoration of balance in the nation's capital. An additional $2.5 million will support other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union, acclaimed author Naomi Wolf, and several private individuals who joined the suit, amplifying the collective stand against overreach.
Trump initiated a series of high-stakes battles after his bans from major platforms in early 2021, culminating in this resolution. Meta settled for $25 million earlier this year, while X agreed to a $10 million payout, as reported by leading outlets. Trump's legal team argued that these suspensions infringed on First Amendment rights, turning what could have been endless courtroom drudgery into a swift vindication, accelerated, as lead attorney John P. Coale noted, by Trump's return to the Oval Office.
"Without his re-election, we'd still be litigating for decades," Coale remarked, highlighting how political momentum shifted the dynamics.
At its core, this settlement transcends financial restitution; it's a beacon for democracy. By challenging the unchecked power of tech companies that once bowed to pressures for censorship, Trump has fortified the pillars of free speech. Admissions from Zuckerberg and YouTube executives about external influences on content moderation expose the vulnerabilities of our digital public square.
In an era where algorithms can amplify or erase narratives at whim, this win ensures that no voice, especially that of a sitting or former president, can be arbitrarily stifled.
Final Word: Democracy has been saved! Now, it's safe to shop in the marketplace of ideas again!
Replies
Finally, justice for Trump. He took no paycheck, takes none now, and instead, faced horrifying targeting, threats, dangers, etc., and now, look. Justice. He sure deserves this. And it's funny, that the entire world gets to witness this. Take that, DS.
Save democracy and make some money in the process! Where do I sign?
Bob, you are so generious I'm sure you would have saved democracy for only 12 million dollars!