Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, is set to cohost a reception alongside wealthy Republican benefactors for Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, marking a notable shift in the tech executive’s relationship with the president-elect. The event is scheduled for Monday evening, just before the inaugural balls take place, according to individuals acquainted with the details who requested anonymity to discuss private arrangements.
Other notable cohosts include Miriam Adelson, the widow of casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson and owner of the Dallas Mavericks; Tilman Fertitta, a prominent figure in the casino industry and owner of the Houston Rockets, who has been nominated by Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Italy; as well as Todd Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs, and his wife, Sylvie Légère.
Previously, Zuckerberg appeared to be at odds with Trump, having imposed a ban on the former president’s accounts on Facebook and Instagram following the violent events at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. However, in a surprising change, Zuckerberg has been working to cultivate a better rapport with Trump, aligning with several tech leaders who are now keen on improving connections with the newly-elected president.
On Tuesday, Meta opted not to make any comments regarding the upcoming event. Interestingly, in November, shortly after Trump’s election win, Zuckerberg visited him in Florida, enjoying a meal at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Additionally, Meta contributed a substantial $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund.
Recently, Zuckerberg announced alterations to the content moderation policies for Facebook and Instagram. This included a shift away from relying on third-party fact-checking in favor of user-generated “community notes.” Trump has speculated that these changes may be a response to threats he made towards Zuckerberg.
