Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump dined at Mar-a-Lago, signaling a shift in their previously strained relationship. Their relationship had been tense, notably due to Trump’s suspension from Facebook and Instagram in 2021 after the Capitol riots.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg met U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, signaling a shift in their previously strained relationship. Zuckerberg’s cautious approach to rebuilding political ties underscores the potential impact on technology and governance in the U.S. moving forward.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently dined with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The meeting marks a significant shift in their historically tense relationship, including Trump’s suspension from Facebook and Instagram in 2021 after the Capitol riots and threats of jail for Zuckerberg over alleged election interference.
A Meta spokesperson confirmed the meeting, stating, “Mark was grateful for the opportunity to meet with President Trump and members of his team to discuss the future of American innovation.” This comes as Zuckerberg adopts a more neutral stance in U.S. politics. He also stepped back from election-related philanthropy and minimized political content on Meta platforms.
The two men’s relationship has evolved over the past year. Trump previously accused Zuckerberg of election interference due to his $400 million donation to electoral infrastructure in 2020. Now he has softened his rhetoric. In a recent podcast, Trump described a personal call from Zuckerberg as “nice” and expressed gratitude for his neutrality in the upcoming election.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, emphasized Zuckerberg’s growing alignment with Trump’s vision for economic reform and innovation. “Mark understands that President Trump is an agent of change and prosperity,” Miller said during a Fox News interview.
While the exact topics discussed at the dinner remain unclear. It comes at a time when Meta is facing increased regulatory scrutiny, including an antitrust case by the Federal Trade Commission. Observers speculate that the meeting could signal Zuckerberg’s effort to navigate the regulatory landscape under the new administration.
Despite his improving ties with Trump, Zuckerberg continues to share a complex rivalry with another Trump ally, Elon Musk. The SpaceX owner and tech magnate has been one of Trump’s staunchest supporters, contributing significantly to his campaign and earning a key advisory role in the incoming administration.
