President Donald Trump has just scored a big victory as Google-owned video streaming platform YouTube announced it is lifting his account restrictions.
YouTube banned Trump’s account just over two years ago in response to the Democrats’ false claims about Jan. 6.
Leslie Miller, vice president of YouTube public policy, said: “Starting today, the Donald J. Trump channel is no longer restricted and the ability to upload new content is restored.
“We carefully evaluated the continued risk of real-world violence, balancing that with the importance of preserving the opportunity for voters to hear equally from major presidential candidates in the run-up to an election.
“This channel will continue to be subject to our policies, just like any other channel on YouTube.”
Susan Wojcicki announced her departure as CEO of the video-sharing site last month after leading it for nine years.
Wojcicki said in 2021 that restrictions on Trump would be lifted at some time.
Donald Trump allowed back on YouTube after two-year suspension https://t.co/wSoDFoCJMm pic.twitter.com/HyFa7bXsbD
— New York Post (@nypost) March 17, 2023
YouTube to let Trump channel post new content https://t.co/eCnLydIQwW pic.twitter.com/AjU9VmCWqB
— The Hill (@thehill) March 17, 2023
The move to lift Trump’s ban comes after several other Big Tech companies, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter all lifted restrictions.
According to Axios:
Meta reinstated Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts last month following a two-year suspension.
Under Elon Musk as its new owner, Twitter has also reinstated Trump’s account.
What to watch: Trump has yet to post anything on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter yet, and has instead continued to rely on his account at Truth Social, the social platform he launched in 2021.
It’s unclear whether he will begin leveraging bigger platforms ahead of his 2024 race.
READ MORE: Jan 6 Videos Show Antifa Infiltrating Trump Supporters, Inciting Violence