Meta donates $1.7m to Trump’s inaugural fund

Meta Platforms has contributed $1 million (NZ$1.7 million) to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, marking a significant departure from the company’s earlier approach. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the donation.

Unlike previous election cycles, CEO Mark Zuckerberg refrained from endorsing either Trump or Joe Biden, even during a media interview conducted before Biden’s replacement by Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. However, Zuckerberg publicly praised Trump’s response to a July 13 assassination attempt, describing it as “one of the most badass things I’ve ever seen in my life.”

This donation follows a late-November meeting between Zuckerberg and Trump, reported by *The New York Times*, which characterized it as part of Zuckerberg’s efforts to build a constructive relationship with the incoming administration.

Tensions between Trump and Meta have been longstanding, particularly since the aftermath of the 2020 election. Trump has accused Meta of suppressing information that could have damaged Biden’s campaign while also criticizing Zuckerberg’s financial contributions aimed at supporting election infrastructure.

Adding to the strain, Meta suspended Trump’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for two years following the Capitol riots on January 6, 2021. The recent donation appears to signal a potential shift in the company’s strategy toward the Trump administration.