Public financial disclosures and news reports on Meta's political donations

Meta's $1M Donation to Trump's Inaugural Fund Follows Zuckerberg's Dinner Meeting

Dec 12, 2024, 10:33 AM

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund. This donation comes after a period of strained relations between Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, and Trump, marked by Trump's accusations of election interference and Meta's decision to ban Trump from its platforms following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The donation follows a dinner meeting between Zuckerberg and Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where Zuckerberg showcased Meta’s new Ray-Ban smart glasses, gifting a pair to Trump. The move is seen as an attempt by Zuckerberg to mend ties with the incoming administration and foster a positive relationship, especially after Trump's threats to jail Zuckerberg if he attempted to influence the election. This donation marks a significant shift in Meta's political engagement strategy, particularly under Zuckerberg's leadership, aiming to support Trump's economic plans and national renewal efforts.