Yesterday, the Facebook Oversight Board determined against letting former President Trump back onto the platform. The end result of the decision is that within six months, Facebook has to choose whether to set a deadline for Trump’s return to the platform or simply ban his account from the site permanently.
Other social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc., are keeping Trump off their sites as well. All of this stems from the events in Washington D.C. on January 6; however, amid talk that Trump may seek the White House again in 2024, conversations about his social media bans have come up.
According to Fox News, the disabling of the former president’s social media accounts could prove to be a severe hurdle if he runs for office again.
Social Media and Politics
Virtually every single politician uses social media in one form or another. This is essential to not just fundraising, but also connecting with voters and getting out important messages. During the 2016 presidential election, Trump’s use of Twitter and other social media platforms played a huge role in him defeating Hillary Clinton.
Twitter has made clear that it will never allow Trump back on, even if he does run for office in the 2024 presidential election. Facebook also seems unwilling to allow the former president’s account back on the site.
We need to put Trump's Facebook ban in context. Facebook is crucial to his 2024 re-election effort. In the 3 months alone before the 2020 election Trump spent $48.7 million on Facebook advertising.
Today's decision is a massive blow for Trump and his advisors know that.
— Simon Tierney (@tierneysimon) May 5, 2021
Unnamed aides close to Trump are reportedly taking note of the issue that social media bans pose. Fundraising concerns are an issue; without the use of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., getting the message out to voters becomes much more expensive.
Sources close to the 45th president also maintain that with social media bans in place against Trump, this will make securing a second term significantly more challenging.
Alternate Avenues of Communication
In light of the social media bans standing against Trump, alternate forms of communication are being employed.
This month, the 45th president started a communications site that lets him send out direct messages. Supporters who are interested in following this can sign up for text and/or email updates. Trump also has an active account on the alternative social media site known as Gab.
“A BEACON OF FREEDOM ARISES ” President Trump launched a new COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM – 'From the Desk of Donald J. Trump'! pic.twitter.com/mi07Q4fjBI
— AppleSeed (@AppleSeedTX) May 5, 2021
If Trump runs for office in 2024, there’s no doubt that alternate avenues of communication will prove necessary for fundraising purposes.
How do you believe social media bans against Trump will impact a potential 2024 run? Let us know down below in the comments section.
