Meta donates $1Mln to Trump fund, signals shift in political relations
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Meta donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, reflecting a strategic shift and efforts to mend past tensions.
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File - The Meta logo is displayed at the Vivatech show in Paris, France, June 14, 2023. Meta releases results on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP)
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has made a $1 million donation to Donald Trump's inaugural fund, marking the largest contribution by the tech giant to a US president-elect's inaugural efforts.
The donation comes amid shifting relations between the company and Trump, following years of tension over accusations of bias and censorship.
A Strategic Reconciliation
The donation, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, coincides with efforts by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to improve relations with Trump and his team.
This includes a private dinner between Zuckerberg and Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month, during which they reportedly discussed innovation and exchanged pleasantries.
According to reports, Zuckerberg congratulated Trump on his victory and expressed optimism about working with his administration.
"We have great opportunities ahead of us as a country. Looking forward to working with you and your administration," Zuckerberg wrote in a message to Trump after his election.
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Zuckerberg has also reportedly engaged with Trump's key advisors, including Senator Marco Rubio, Stephen Miller, and Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs and former UK deputy prime minister.
A Shift in Meta's Political Strategy
Meta's contribution marks a departure from its past practice, as the company did not contribute to Trump's 2017 or Biden's 2021 inaugural funds.
Over the past several years, relations between Trump and Meta have been fraught, with Trump accusing the company of censoring conservative voices and even labeling it "an enemy of the people."
Following the January 6 Capitol attack, Meta suspended Trump's accounts, further escalating tensions. While Trump's accounts were reinstated in 2023, restrictions were in place until mid-2024, when Meta fully restored his access.
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In a series of moves signaling reconciliation, Zuckerberg praised Trump's handling of a July assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, describing Trump's reaction as "one of the most badass things I've ever seen."
He also expressed regret for Meta's political involvement during the Biden administration, claiming the company faced undue pressure to censor content, particularly on COVID-19 issues.
Zuckerberg has publicly distanced himself from endorsing any candidate for the 2024 election but has expressed a desire to influence tech policy debates under the next administration.
Meta's Role in the Next Administration
Reports suggest Zuckerberg is seeking an active role in shaping tech policy under a Trump administration, focusing on maintaining America's leadership in technology.
Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs, confirmed the company's interest in contributing to discussions about innovation and regulation.
Meta's donation has nonetheless sparked controversy, with critics questioning the neutrality of the company in political matters.
Observers see this as a strategic move to position Meta favorably within a potentially Trump-led administration, which could have significant implications for the regulation of tech giants.
