Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly met with US President-elect Donald Trump at the latter’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. While the details of their discussion remain undisclosed, the meeting follows Zuckerberg’s announcement of major changes at Meta, including the removal of fact-checking programs and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The policy shifts are aimed at reducing “censorship” and “restoring free expression.”
This isn’t the first meeting between Zuckerberg and Trump, with the two previously meeting around Thanksgiving last year, just before the policy changes were revealed. Meta has also strengthened ties with Trump’s team, appointing UFC CEO Dana White, a known Trump ally, to its board. In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, Zuckerberg expressed confidence in his direction for Meta’s future, stating, “I have a much greater command now of what I think the policy should be.”
The evolving dynamic between Zuckerberg and Trump contrasts with their historically tense relationship. Trump, banned from Facebook and Instagram following the January 6 Capitol riots, had previously threatened Zuckerberg with imprisonment. However, recent interactions have seen a softer tone, including Trump’s thanks to Zuckerberg following a personal call after an assassination attempt.
The recent policy changes at Meta, including the rollback of fact-checking and diversity programs, may have played a role in the improved rapport between the two. Zuckerberg cited a desire to correct “too many mistakes and too much censorship” as the driving force behind the shift.
