Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta and the world’s fourth-richest man, has made a significant donation of $1 million (₹8.3 crore) to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, as reported by CNN. This contribution comes shortly after a private meeting between Zuckerberg and Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida estate, just two weeks earlier. The donation, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, signals a notable shift in the relationship between the tech mogul and the former president.
During their recent meeting, Zuckerberg and Trump reportedly discussed topics deemed critical to U.S. innovation. While the details remain undisclosed, a Meta spokesperson clarified that Zuckerberg met with Trump’s team but left before Thanksgiving festivities.
According to CNN, the donation may reflect Zuckerberg’s efforts to take a more active role in shaping technology policies under the incoming administration. This move comes almost four years after Meta banned Trump from its platforms in the wake of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, a decision that had marked a turning point in their fraught relationship.
The relationship between Zuckerberg and Trump has been tumultuous over the years. In January 2021 Meta banned Trump from Facebook and Instagram, citing policy violations. Trump accused Zuckerberg of election interference and even suggested the possibility of imprisoning him.
Meta reinstated Trump’s accounts in 2023, signaling a shift in policy. Later in 2023, Zuckerberg praised Trump’s composure after an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, calling it “one of the most badass things” he had witnessed.
Earlier this month, Zuckerberg publicly congratulated Trump on his election victory, indicating a potential fresh start. However, Trump’s team has been reserved about the specifics of their evolving relationship, with spokesperson Steven Cheung declining to comment.
This development is likely to spark widespread attention as Meta positions itself to play a more prominent role in influencing future tech policies under Trump’s administration.
