Former US President Donald Trump resumed posting on Facebook and YouTube on Friday, for the first time since his social media accounts were suspended two years ago, following the attack by his supporters on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
The Republican leader, who is seeking a second term in 2024, began his return to social media with the words "I'm back" along with a 12-second "archival" video excerpt from his victory speech after the 2016 election, saying, "Sorry to make you wait. Complicated work" and the clip ends with the words "Trump 2024."
After returning to social media, Trump, 76, will be able to use key tools to raise political funds and connect with his 146 million followers in total as he seeks to run again for president in 2024.
Trump and his campaign organizers do not forget the role of social media in his victory over his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, while his victory was unlikely, Trump supported his campaign using social media, and his campaign spokesman told Fox News Digital in January that returning to Facebook "will be an important factor for the 2024 campaign in order to reach voters."
Trump has 34 million followers on Facebook and more than 2.6 million on YouTube. His words inaugurating his return yesterday were met with thousands of comments, including "Happy to see you again, your return is a relief Mr. President."
Time
Trump's return to YouTube and Facebook comes as the Manhattan District Attorney's Office considers criminal charges related to paying a star during Trump's 2016 campaign in exchange for remaining silent about an alleged relationship, accusations Trump and his allies say are politically motivated but without providing evidence.
Trump is also facing a $250 million New York state fraud lawsuit, alleging a 10-year scheme to manipulate more than 200 asset valuations and Trump's net worth to win better terms from banks and insurance companies. Trump has called the lawsuit a scheming.