In a surprising twist in political and tech relations, President-elect Donald Trump has openly praised Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for initiating significant changes to how the company moderates political content across its social media platforms. This marked a notable thawing in the relationship between the two high-profile figures, whose past interactions have often been fraught with tension.
During a news conference on Tuesday, Trump expressed his approval of Meta’s recent policy shift, which includes ending partnerships with third-party fact-checkers and relaxing moderation policies on contentious topics such as gender and immigration.
“Honestly, I think they have come a long way, Meta, Facebook,” Trump told reporters, signaling a newfound optimism in the tech giant’s direction. When asked whether Zuckerberg’s decision was influenced by Trump’s previous public threats, the President-elect responded with a candid “Probably.”
This shift comes after years of public criticism and legal battles between Trump and Meta (formerly Facebook), particularly over issues surrounding content moderation and alleged censorship.
Meta’s New Content Policy
Zuckerberg’s announcement on Tuesday marked a dramatic departure from the company’s previous stance on content moderation. In a video posted on Facebook, Zuckerberg acknowledged the growing concerns over mistakes and censorship on Meta’s platforms.
“We’ve reached a point where it’s just too many mistakes and too much censorship,” Zuckerberg said. “The recent elections also feel like a cultural tipping point toward once again prioritizing speech. So we are going to get back to our roots, focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies, and restoring free expression on our platforms.”
Joel Kaplan, Meta’s newly promoted head of global policy, emphasized this pivot during an interview on Fox News’ morning show, “Fox and Friends.” Kaplan highlighted the alignment between Meta’s renewed focus on free expression and Trump’s incoming administration.
“There is a real opportunity here, with President Trump coming into office, with his commitment to free expression, for us to get back to those values,” Kaplan said.
The Evolving Trump-Zuckerberg Relationship
The relationship between Trump and Zuckerberg has undergone a remarkable evolution. Just a few years ago, the two were at loggerheads. During Trump’s first term, his administration joined several states in a major antitrust lawsuit against Facebook, alleging monopolistic practices. In 2021, Trump sued Meta and other social media platforms for banning him in the wake of the January 6 Capitol riots.
Trump’s criticism of Zuckerberg also extended to the tech leader’s charitable giving during the 2020 election. Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, faced backlash for donating to local election officials to help manage the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump and his allies viewed these donations with suspicion, accusing Zuckerberg of attempting to influence the election outcome.
In his recent book, Trump wrote about his vigilance toward Zuckerberg, stating, “We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time, he will spend the rest of his life in prison—as will others who cheat in the 2024 Presidential Election.”
A New Era of Collaboration?
Despite this tumultuous history, recent events suggest a warming relationship. Zuckerberg recently dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, joining a wave of tech CEOs seeking to mend ties with the incoming administration. Additionally, Meta has pledged $1 million to Trump’s inauguration, signaling a strategic shift in its approach to political engagement.
During Tuesday’s news conference, Trump praised Joel Kaplan, describing the former Bush White House official as “very impressive” after watching his interview on Fox News.
The policy changes at Meta reflect a broader cultural shift in how major tech companies approach free expression and content moderation. By stepping away from third-party fact-checking and loosening restrictions on divisive topics, Meta is positioning itself as a champion of free speech, aligning with the values touted by Trump’s administration.
Zuckerberg’s acknowledgment of past mistakes and his commitment to restoring trust and transparency could set a new standard for the tech industry. However, critics argue that these changes may pave the way for misinformation to spread unchecked, particularly during a politically sensitive period.
The evolving dynamic between President-elect Donald Trump and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg underscores the complex interplay between politics and technology. As Meta embarks on a new chapter focused on free expression and reduced censorship, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact public discourse and the broader tech landscape. With both Trump and Zuckerberg navigating this newfound alignment, the world watches with cautious optimism for what lies ahead.