Zuckerberg is earning a million dollars due to Trump's circumstances.
Zuckerberg is earning a million dollars due to Trump's circumstances.
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has been contributing to the inauguration fund of President Donald Trump. This move implies a potential improvement in their previously tense relationship.
As reported by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), this donation signifies the delicate balance that tech CEOs tread, as they often face criticism from Trump and other Republicans. Historically aligned with liberal politics, certain Silicon Valley leaders are contemplating a shift in their stance towards Trump, as Republicans are set to control both the White House and Congress, advocating for tech industry regulations.
Over the years, Zuckerberg has supported politicians from both parties through campaign contributions. However, he has generally kept away from funding presidential campaigns. Neither Zuckerberg nor Meta contributed to Trump's inauguration fund in 2017 nor Biden's in 2021.
The history between Zuckerberg and Trump has been volatile. Facebook temporarily banned Trump's account before his first term ended, following his supporters' storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. Post this incident, Trump declared, "If I'm back in the White House, there will be no more dinners with Mark Zuckerberg and his wife. It will be strictly business!"
However, their public relationship seemed to be healing recently. In July, Zuckerberg commended Trump's response to the attack as "one of the craziest things I've ever seen in my life." Both had a conversation a few days later, and in October, Trump praised Zuckerberg on a Barstool Sports podcast, stating, "I like Zuckerberg a lot more now" and adding, "He's staying out of the election, which is good."
After Trump's election win in November, Zuckerberg congratulated him on social media, expressing his desire for cooperation. Privately, as reported by the WSJ, Zuckerberg expressed optimism towards a Trump presidency to other business leaders.
Recently, Zuckerberg even visited Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. During a dinner, the billionaire reportedly expressed his support for Trump. Stephen Miller, Trump's future deputy chief of staff, stated on US network Fox News, "Mark has his own interests, he has his own company and his own agenda. But he made it very clear that he wants to support the renewal of America under the leadership of President Trump."
Despite his past criticisms and the controversial events leading up to it, Mark Zuckerberg made a surprising donation to President Trump's inauguration fund, demonstrating a willingness to engage with Trump politically. This action, however, may raise eyebrows among those who view tech CEOs as traditionally leaning towards liberal politics.