Meta’s $1 million donation to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund has raised questions about Mark Zuckerberg’s intentions. This move follows years of tension between the two, including Trump’s suspension from Meta platforms after the Jan. 6 protests.
The contribution, disclosed by The Wall Street Journal, comes just weeks after Zuckerberg met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Sources familiar with the matter suggest the donation was discussed before the meeting, indicating that this was part of a broader strategy by Meta’s leadership.
Stephen Miller, a senior figure in Trump’s administration, stated that Zuckerberg has expressed support for Trump’s agenda. This aligns with Meta’s recent moves to rebuild its relationship with the political right, a stark contrast to its actions during Trump’s first term.
The donation comes as Elon Musk, the owner of X, positions himself as a key ally of Trump’s efforts to overhaul federal operations. Musk’s collaboration with Trump adds pressure on Zuckerberg to ensure Meta’s interests are protected under the new administration.
Adding to the complexity is Zuckerberg’s testimony to Congress, where he revealed that the Biden administration pressured Meta to suppress certain types of content. This acknowledgment has fueled concerns about Big Tech’s role in shaping public discourse.
As Trump prepares to take office, the relationship between his administration and Big Tech is set to face intense scrutiny. Meta’s donation may be an effort to secure its influence, but whether it will succeed remains to be seen.
