Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta has made an unexpected $1 million donation to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, prompting questions about the tech billionaire’s motives. The donation is particularly notable given Meta’s strained history with Trump, including the ban imposed on him following the Jan. 6 protests — a ban that was only lifted earlier this year.
The donation comes shortly after Zuckerberg dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, signaling a sharp turn in their previously contentious relationship. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that discussions about the donation occurred before the meeting, hinting at a well-planned strategy. Zuckerberg has reportedly told others he views Trump’s return to the presidency as a positive opportunity for business.
Stephen Miller, who will hold a senior role in Trump’s administration, confirmed Zuckerberg’s support for Trump’s agenda, describing it as a commitment to the “national renewal of America.” This has raised speculation that Zuckerberg may be seeking to align Meta’s interests with Trump’s plans for tackling federal inefficiency and Big Tech overreach.
Zuckerberg’s move comes at a time when Elon Musk, his chief rival and the owner of X, has emerged as a close ally of Trump. Musk is expected to play a significant role in advancing Trump’s goals, including dismantling what the president-elect has called the “abusive and wasteful” practices of the federal government.
Meta’s recent actions have also drawn scrutiny. Zuckerberg revealed earlier this year that the Biden administration pressured the platform to censor COVID-related content, further fueling concerns about Big Tech’s role in controlling information.
While the motives behind the donation remain unclear, it seems evident that Zuckerberg is working to secure Meta’s position in an administration that has promised to take a hard line on Silicon Valley’s influence. Whether this donation signals a genuine political shift or a calculated business move, it has added a new layer of complexity to the relationship between Trump and the tech world.
