Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta and founder of Facebook, met privately with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, sparking significant speculation and discussion across political and media circles.
The meeting, which was confirmed by multiple sources, appears to signal Zuckerberg’s interest in collaborating with the incoming administration.
I’m told Mark Zuckerberg was just spotted at Mar-a-Lago …
— Natalie Allison (@natalie_allison) November 27, 2024
Rumors about the meeting began to circulate on X (formerly Twitter) after Politico’s Natalie Allison posted, “I’m told Mark Zuckerberg was just spotted at Mar-a-Lago …” Maggie Haberman of The New York Times later corroborated the report, stating that Zuckerberg and Trump met privately on Wednesday afternoon.
According to sources briefed on the meeting, Zuckerberg praised Trump’s resilience, particularly his reaction following the July assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, calling it “badass.”
Trump adviser Stephen Miller confirmed the meeting during an appearance on Fox News, noting that Zuckerberg recognized Trump as an “agent of change and prosperity.”
Miller elaborated, “He’s made it clear that he wants to support the national renewal of America under President Trump’s leadership.”
A Meta spokesperson also acknowledged the meeting in a statement to The New York Post. “It’s an important time for the future of American innovation.
Stephen Miller confirms Mark Zuckerberg meeting with Trump at Mar a Lago:
“Yes… Mark Zuckerberg has been very clear about his desire to be a supporter of and a participant in this change that we’re seeing…”pic.twitter.com/rbqEk3euC4
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) November 28, 2024
Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and for the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming administration,” the spokesperson said.
This meeting follows comments Zuckerberg made earlier in the year, praising Trump’s response to the July attack on his life. “Seeing Donald Trump get up after getting shot in the face and pump his fist in the air with the American flag is one of the most badass things I’ve ever seen in my life,” Zuckerberg said.
Zuckerberg’s remarks reflect a growing rapport with the president-elect despite his earlier lack of public support for Trump.
In September, The New York Times reported that Zuckerberg hired Republican strategist Brian Baker to help improve his relationship with conservatives.
According to sources close to Zuckerberg, he identifies privately with libertarian or “classical liberal” values, a stance that may explain his recent efforts to engage with Republican leaders.
Following Trump’s decisive election victory earlier this month, Zuckerberg extended his congratulations on social media, stating, “Congratulations to President Trump on a decisive victory. We have great opportunities ahead of us as a country. Looking forward to working with you and your administration.”
Zuckerberg’s meeting with Trump highlights the evolving relationship between Big Tech and conservative political leaders.
With the incoming administration’s focus on national renewal and innovation, this meeting could pave the way for increased collaboration between Meta and the Trump administration.
As details of the private conversation remain under wraps, speculation continues about what role Zuckerberg may play in shaping tech policy and innovation under the new administration.
Both the meeting and the praise exchanged suggest a potential thaw in relations between Silicon Valley and Trump’s team, signaling possible cooperation on key issues in the future.
