Image credit: Grok/X

In a significant move just weeks before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, Meta, the parent company of platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has announced the addition of Dana White, the CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), to its board of directors.

White, a known Trump ally, joins alongside John Elkann of Exor and Charlie Songhurst, formerly with Microsoft.

This development is seen as part of Meta's strategy to mend its strained relationship with Trump, following years of tension, particularly after Trump's suspension from Meta's social media platforms post the Capitol riot in January 2021.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, praised the new board members for their unique insights, stating, "Dana, John, and Charlie will add a depth of expertise and perspective that will help us tackle the massive opportunities ahead with [artificial intelligence], wearables, and the future of human connection." He highlighted White's success in expanding UFC's global footprint.

White, expressing his enthusiasm on Instagram, noted his passion for social media and his eagerness to contribute to the development of AI and emerging technologies within Meta. His appointment comes in the wake of significant changes at Meta, including the departure of Sir Nick Clegg, who was previously in charge of global affairs.

The reshuffling at the top level of Meta has also seen Joel Kaplan, a prominent Republican with deep ties to the GOP, stepping into a more prominent role, which might indicate a strategic pivot towards better relations with Republican leadership.

The relationship between Trump and Zuckerberg has shown signs of improvement. Despite Trump's earlier harsh comments in a book, suggesting that Zuckerberg could face legal consequences for election interference, Trump has recently acknowledged Zuckerberg's neutrality in elections and thanked him for personal gestures during a tumultuous time in his campaign.

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Zuckerberg's visit to Trump at Mar-a-Lago and a substantial $1 million donation to Trump's inauguration fund underscore this shift towards reconciliation as Trump prepares to take office.

The inclusion of White on the board, with his long-standing association with Trump, signals Meta's intent to navigate the new political landscape with a more conservative-friendly approach.

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