Zuckerberg met with Trump, the latest Silicon Valley CEO to do so. They have had a strained relationship for a decade, but now things have changed.
On Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving in the U.S., Mark Zuckerberg met with Trump. Zuckerberg is trying to build a good relationship with Trump.
Zuckerberg started the meeting, according to three people involved. They’ve had a strained relationship for the past decade. Trump says Meta restricts him and other conservatives on social media. He has criticized Zuckerberg on social media and in speeches.
Zuckerberg flew to West Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday night and met Trump at his hotel and club on Wednesday. Zuckerberg congratulated Trump on winning the election. Trump and Zuckerberg had dinner at Trump’s hotel that night.
A Meta spokesperson said in a statement:
"This is an important moment for American innovation." Mark thanked President Trump for the invitation and is happy to meet with his team.Zuckerberg’s move was seen as an attempt to protect Meta from the new administration. Meta is often criticized by conservatives in Washington. Trump has even called for Zuckerberg’s arrest for “plotting against” him in the 2020 election.
In 2021, Trump said he should have blocked Facebook, but added that Zuckerberg called him and came to the White House to tell him how great he was. Facebook suspended Trump’s account until Meta reinstated it in 2023 after the January 6, 2021, riots.
As Meta realized Trump could win the 2024 election, Zuckerberg spent 18 months repairing the relationship.
This summer, Zuckerberg spoke with Trump at least twice, according to people who know. He expressed concern after Trump’s assassination attempt and said he would pray for him. In an interview, Zuckerberg said the image of Trump pumping his fist after being shot at a rally in Pennsylvania struck him as very “hardcore.”
Zuckerberg congratulated Trump after he won the election. The day after the election, he posted on Threads, “Congratulations to President Trump.” Our country has great opportunities ahead. “I look forward to working with you and your team.”
Trump’s policy adviser Stephen Miller had a different take on the meeting. In an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, Zuckerberg said he wants to support Trump’s reform movement.
Trump and Zuckerberg met at least twice during his first term.
Other tech executives, like Musk, are close to Trump. Musk has donated millions to Trump’s campaign. Musk has spent election night with Trump and has been to the Haywood Estate several times since. However, Meta executives hope Zuckerberg will be more moderate in his new relationship with the new administration.
