Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has appointed Dana White, the chief executive of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a known ally of Donald Trump, to its board of directors. This strategic move comes just ahead of Trump's inauguration as the president, signaling a possible warming between the social media giant and the incoming administration.
In addition to White, Meta has also welcomed John Elkann, head of the European investment firm Exor, and Charlie Songhurst, a former executive at Microsoft. Zuckerberg expressed confidence that the diverse backgrounds of the new board members will be instrumental in navigating opportunities related to artificial intelligence (AI) and enhanced connectivity in the future.
"I’m thrilled to welcome Dana, John, and Charlie to our board," said Zuckerberg in a formal statement. "Their expertise will play a crucial role in helping Meta tackle the vast opportunities that lie ahead, particularly in AI and wearables."
White, known for his strong support of free speech, took to Meta's Instagram to express his enthusiasm, stating, "I love social media and I'm excited to be a small part of the future of AI and emerging technologies." His appointment comes on the heels of former UK deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg stepping down from his role as president of global affairs at Meta.
Historical tensions between Trump and Meta have been notable, particularly since Trump was suspended from the platform following the January 2021 Capitol riots. Recently, however, there have been signs of reconciliation. Trump has previously criticized Zuckerberg but has also pointed out his appreciation for Zuckerberg’s recent approach regarding the 2024 elections.
Zuckerberg's connections with Trump appear to be deepening, reinforced by their recent dinner at Mar-a-Lago, and a notable $1 million donation from Zuckerberg to Trump's inauguration fund. The shifting dynamics at Meta could indicate a significant influence on how social media policies may align with the forthcoming administration.
