Meta ends restrictions on Trump's Facebook, Instagram accounts ahead of GOP convention

Restrictions that were placed on the Facebook and Instagram accounts of former President Donald Trump 17 months ago are being lifted, the platforms' parent company Meta announced Friday.

In a blog post Friday afternoon, Meta said that the decision was made to remove the restrictions ahead of the Republican National Convention, which begins Monday in Milwaukee. Trump is the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. 

"The American people should be able to hear from the nominees for President on the same basis," Nick Clegg, Meta president of global affairs, wrote. "As a result, former President Trump, as the nominee of the Republican Party, will no longer be subject to the heightened suspension penalties."