‘I’m back’ – Trump returns to YouTube, Facebook and Instagram after two-year ban
Former US President Donald Trump has returned to social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, two years after he was banned following the January 6, 2021 attack on Congress by his supporters.
On Friday, March 17, Trump shared a video that appeared to be from one of his previous campaign speeches.
His return to platforms gives him access to key vehicles for political fundraising, allowing him to reach a total of 146 million subscribers across three major tech platforms as he runs for president again in 2024. .
“Sorry to keep you waiting. Complicated business,” Trump said in the video, captioned “I’M BACK.”
YouTube restored Trump’s channel earlier on Friday.
“We have carefully assessed the continued risk of real-world violence, while balancing the chances of voters hearing from key national candidates as well in the run-up to an election,” YouTube said in a tweet, referring to to his decision to restore his account.
Meta Platforms Inc (META.O), owners of Facebook, had restored Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts earlier this year, while his Twitter account was restored in November by the platform’s new owner, Elon Musk. Trump has yet to post on Twitter.
Trump’s return to YouTube and Facebook comes just as the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is considering criminal charges related to silent payments made to a porn star during Trump’s 2016 campaign, charges that Trump and his allies argue without evidence are politically motivated.
Trump is also facing a $250 million civil fraud lawsuit brought by New York State, alleging a decade-long scheme to manipulate more than 200 asset valuations and Trump’s net worth to get money. better conditions with banks and insurers.
