Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, met with US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida resort, marking a rare face-to-face interaction. The meeting is seen as a potential step toward mending their strained relationship.
Trump has long accused Meta of censoring conservative voices on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, frequently criticizing Zuckerberg in speeches and on social media. He has even called for legal action against the CEO over alleged interference during the 2020 presidential election.
Meta has faced intense scrutiny from conservative lawmakers, with some advocating for tighter regulations to address perceived biases.
According to The New York Times, Zuckerberg traveled to Florida on Tuesday and met Trump at Mar-a-Lago the following day. During the meeting, Zuckerberg congratulated Trump on his election victory. Later that evening, the two had dinner at Trump’s hotel.
A Meta spokesperson described the meeting as an opportunity to discuss the future of American innovation:
“Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming administration.”
Zuckerberg’s outreach appears to be part of a broader strategy to safeguard Meta from potential challenges under Trump’s administration. Over the past 18 months, Zuckerberg has reportedly held multiple private calls with Trump, including one where he offered support and prayers after an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania.
These efforts highlight Meta’s attempts to navigate growing political divisions and the looming threat of regulatory action.
Unlike other tech leaders, such as Elon Musk, who has openly supported Trump and conservative causes, Zuckerberg’s interactions with Trump have been more cautious. Musk’s relationship with Trump has been characterized by public endorsements and financial contributions, while his rapport with Zuckerberg remains frosty.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, commented on the meeting during a Fox News interview:
“Mr. Zuckerberg has clearly shown his willingness to support and contribute to the reform movement spearheaded by Donald Trump, reflecting the wider changes unfolding in America and globally.”
