In brief
Meta has welcomed Dana White, UFC CEO and Trump ally, to its board, hinting at a new chapter in relations as Trump prepares for his inauguration.
Meta, the owner of Facebook, has announced the appointment of Dana White, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and an ally of Donald Trump, to its board of directors. This move comes as Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg attempts to improve relations with Trump ahead of the former president's inauguration later this month. White joins two other new board members, John Elkann and Charlie Songhurst, who bring diverse expertise in investment and technology.Zuckerberg emphasized the importance of White's experience in helping Meta explore opportunities in artificial intelligence and future tech. White, known for his strong stance on free speech, has previously faced backlash regarding hate speech in the UFC. This appointment follows a significant shift in Meta's leadership, especially with the recent departure of former UK deputy PM Sir Nick Clegg.As Trump and Zuckerberg's strained relationship eases—underscored by recent interactions and a substantial donation to Trump's inauguration fund—the announcement signals potential collaboration between the two sides. With the 2024 election on the horizon, Meta's strategic choices could have major implications in the political landscape, especially after Trump’s social media bans in 2021. The landscape of social media and politics may be set for change as these familiar faces team up again.
