Donald Trump allowed to return to Facebook and Instagram

Donald Trump will be allowed to return to the Facebook and Instagram networks, after Meta announced the opening of his accounts.

His accounts will be opened "in the coming weeks", the social media giant said.

In a statement, Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs, said "the public should hear what their politicians have to say".

The former president of the United States was banned from using Facebook and Instagram after the riots that happened at the Capitol in 2021.

The company took the action "after Mr Trump bragged about being involved in the violence at the Capitol", Mr Clegg said.

"The decision to block his social networks was strange given the circumstances," he added.

He said the investigation had determined that Mr Trump's accounts no longer represented a significant risk to public safety.

But because of Mr Trump's past "violations" he will now face severe penalties if the offenses are repeated.

Republicans have been pushing for Mr Trump to be allowed back on Facebook as he prepares to run for president again next year.

Mr Trump posted on his social media company, Truth Social, on Wednesday, saying that Facebook had "lost Billions" after it banned "your favorite President, me".