Washington CNN —
Two Democratic lawmakers on Wednesday urged Meta to maintain Donald Trump’s suspension from its platforms when it revisits the matter in January, arguing that the former president’s recent posts on his own social media platform suggest he is likely to violate the social media giant’s policies if given a chance.
The letter from California Rep. Adam Schiff and Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse cites numerous news reports about Trump’s postings on Truth Social, the former president’s Twitter alternative. They characterize his remarks as election misinformation and, in some cases, incitement.
On Truth Social, Trump has also reportedly amplified adherents of the QAnon conspiracy theory that Meta banned from its platforms in 2020, the lawmakers wrote.
“For Meta to credibly maintain a legitimate election integrity policy, it is essential that your company maintain its platform ban on former president Trump,” the letter said. “Based on Meta’s own statement on standards for allowing Trump back on the platform, his account should continue to be restricted.”
Meta declined to comment on Wednesday’s letter.
The company suspended Trump for two years after the Jan. 6 Capitol riots, over concerns he had fomented violence. With the help of outside experts, it plans to assess in early January whether to lift Trump’s restrictions and allow him to post on its platforms once again.
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