Meta Contributes $1 Million to Support Trump’s Inauguration
The relationship between the president-elect and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which was previously turbulent, seems to have improved.
Meta, the parent organization of Facebook and Instagram, has contributed $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural committee.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, indicated that Zuckerberg is eager to support and help the president-elect implement national reforms. This donation signifies a pivotal change in the previously adversarial relationship between the two billionaires.
“I don’t want Facebook, who cheated in the last election, to prosper. They are a true Enemy of the People!” he remarked.
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Trump’s association with Meta also faced challenges when his Facebook and Instagram accounts were suspended following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Meta described the suspension as a response to his “praise for individuals engaged in violence at the Capitol.”
Although Trump’s accounts were reinstated in January 2023, Meta announced stricter penalties for public figures who frequently breach its rules or do so in a manner that incites violence or civil disorder.
This additional scrutiny was removed on July 12, 2024—the day before Trump was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“In evaluating our duty to promote political expression, we believe the American people deserve to hear from the presidential nominees equally. Therefore, former President Trump, as the Republican Party nominee, will not be subject to the heightened suspension penalties any longer,” Meta explained at that time.
Trump’s reaction to this near-fatal incident garnered admiration from both supporters and adversaries alike, including Zuckerberg, who reached out to express his respect.
“Witnessing Donald Trump rise after being shot and raise his fist in the air alongside the American flag is one of the most badass moments I’ve ever witnessed,” Zuckerberg stated to Bloomberg a few days after the incident.
Since then, Trump has softened his viewpoint regarding Zuckerberg. In an appearance on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast, Trump conveyed his gratitude for the call and commended the tech entrepreneur for “staying out of the election.”
Mary Man and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
