Facebook, YouTube delete Trump’s video message to rioters

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, on Jan 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. — AP

LOS ANGELES: Facebook, in an unusual action, removed President Trump's video post to D.C. rioters telling them to “go home” – while he also fanned the conspiracy flames that the US election was fraudulent. A Facebook executive said the company deleted Trump’s video over the risk that it would increase the risk of violence.

YouTube also pulled down the video from Trump’s channel, citing a violation of its ban on election misinformation. Twitter initially prevented users from interacting with Trump’s video tweet but left the post up; however, as of about 6.30pm ET, the tweet was no longer available.