Facebook Bans Donald Trump ‘Indefinitely’

Facebook is “indefinitely” banning President Donald Trump from its platform, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Thursday.

“The shocking events of the last 24 hours clearly demonstrate that President Donald Trump intends to use his remaining time in office to undermine the peaceful and lawful transition of power to his elected successor, Joe Biden,” he said in a statement, referring to Trump’s refusal to condemn his supporters for forming a violent mob and storming the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. 

“We believe the risks of allowing the President to continue to use our service during this period are simply too great,” Zuckerberg added. “Therefore, we are extending the block we have placed on his Facebook and Instagram accounts indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete.” 

Instagram head Adam Mosseri said “exceptional circumstances” had prompted the decision to ban the president. 

This means Trump won’t be allowed to use the platforms again as president, as President-elect Joe Biden will be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Facebook and Twitter both locked Trump’s accounts for 12 hours on Wednesday after the president failed to quell violence at the Capitol, and decided instead to use social media to tell mob members he loved them and that they were “very special.” 

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.