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The magnate Elon Musk and the President of the United States, Donald Trump, have reached a financial agreement that ends the legal dispute the president had against the social network X (formerly Twitter).
The agreed sum amounts to 10 million dollars and resolves the conflict arising from the ban that Trump faced on the platform in January 2021.
The confrontation between Trump and the former Twitter originated after the assault on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, when the platform decided to suspend the account of the then-president, arguing that his presence posed a "risk of further incitement to violence."
In response, Trump denounced that the measure was a violation of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, which protects freedom of speech.
In July 2021, the former president filed a lawsuit against the company, claiming that his removal from the platform constituted unjustified censorship.
However, in May 2022, a federal judge in California dismissed the lawsuit, arguing that Twitter was a private company and, therefore, not subject to the restrictions of the First Amendment.
Despite the court's decision, Trump appealed and continued the legal battle.
Musk, Trump, and an agreement to avoid trial
With the acquisition of Twitter by Elon Musk at the end of 2022 for 44 billion dollars, the South African-born entrepreneur decided to restore Trump's account on X.
However, the former president chose to remain active on Truth Social, the platform he created after being banned from the major social media networks.
The financial agreement between Trump and Musk ends the legal dispute without the need for a trial.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the president's team initially considered withdrawing the lawsuit due to the close relationship between the two entrepreneurs.
Musk, in addition to having invested 250 million dollars in the Republican campaign, has occupied the position of Director of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) since the beginning of Trump's second term, an entity created to reduce public spending and bureaucracy.
Other conflicts with technology companies
This is not the only legal battle in which Trump has received financial compensation for being banned from social media.
On January 29th, The Wall Street Journal revealed that Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, agreed to pay 25 million dollars to settle the lawsuit filed by Trump in 2021 following his expulsion from these platforms.
Of this amount, 22 million will be allocated to financing the presidential library, while the remainder will cover legal expenses and compensations to other affected parties.
The last message Trump posted on Twitter before being banned, on January 8, 2021, said: "To all of you who have asked, I will not be attending the inauguration (of Joe Biden) on January 20."
This announcement, along with his statements after the attack on the Capitol, was deemed by the platform as an incitement to violence, which led to his suspension.
The influence of Musk on the Trump administration
Since the last electoral campaign, Elon Musk has become a key ally of Trump, leading to speculation about his role in American politics.
His appointment as the leader of the DOGE has strengthened his influence within the administration, especially on issues related to reducing government spending and restructuring federal agencies.
With the agreement reached with X, Trump adds another victory in his fight against big tech companies, which he has repeatedly accused of trying to silence his voice and that of his supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Agreement Between Elon Musk and Donald Trump Regarding the Twitter Ban
Why did Elon Musk compensate Donald Trump for the Twitter ban?
Elon Musk compensated Donald Trump with 10 million dollars to resolve the legal dispute arising from Trump's ban on Twitter in January 2021. The suspension of his account occurred after the assault on the Capitol, when the platform deemed that his messages incited violence.
What role does Elon Musk play in Donald Trump's administration?
Elon Musk holds the position of Director of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity established to reduce public spending and bureaucracy within the government of the United States. This role enhances his influence in the administration, particularly regarding matters of government efficiency.
What is the relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump?
Elon Musk and Donald Trump have formed a close alliance in recent years. Musk has been a significant donor to Trump's reelection campaign and has taken an active role in his administration. This relationship has been solidified through collaboration on DOGE and Musk's financial and strategic support.
How has Trump dealt with social media bans?
Donald Trump has received financial compensation for the bans on social media. In addition to the agreement with Musk, he also reached a settlement with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which paid him 25 million dollars to resolve the lawsuit filed after his expulsion from these platforms in 2021.
What importance does social network X have in the relationship between Musk and Trump?
The social network X (formerly Twitter) is key in the relationship between Musk and Trump, as Musk decided to restore Trump's account after purchasing the platform. Although Trump remains active on his own network, Truth Social, this action reflects Musk's influence and his commitment to freedom of expression on social media.
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