Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently dined with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, signaling a surprising shift in their previously strained relationship. The meeting comes as Trump continues to foster ties with leading tech figures, including his well-publicized friendship with X owner Elon Musk.
Historically, Trump and Zuckerberg have been far from allies. Trump was banned from Facebook and Instagram after the Capitol riots, and he later threatened Zuckerberg with prison if he interfered in the 2024 election. However, their recent dinner suggests a warming of relations.
“Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming administration,” a Meta spokesperson told the BBC. “It’s an important time for the future of American innovation.”
From Jail Threats to Gratitude
In August, Trump harshly criticized Zuckerberg, writing in a book that the Meta CEO would “spend the rest of his life in prison” if he meddled in the 2024 election. By October, however, Trump’s tone softened, thanking Zuckerberg for a personal phone call after surviving an assassination attempt and acknowledging his decision to “stay out of the election.”
Zuckerberg, for his part, has made efforts to bridge the gap. After lifting Trump’s suspension from Meta platforms earlier this year, he expressed regret over past decisions, such as suppressing stories about Hunter Biden during the 2020 election. He also vowed to avoid funding election infrastructure, a move that drew criticism during the previous cycle.
Big Tech’s Balancing Act
While the details of their Mar-a-Lago discussion remain undisclosed, the meeting highlights Zuckerberg’s potential attempts to navigate Meta’s ongoing regulatory challenges. The company faces increasing scrutiny, including an antitrust case from the Federal Trade Commission.
Despite this thaw, Zuckerberg’s rapport with Trump pales in comparison to the president-elect’s close bond with Elon Musk.
Trump and Musk: Big Tech’s Power Duo
Trump’s relationship with Musk has become one of the defining alliances of his campaign. Musk’s support brought over $100 million in campaign contributions and a public endorsement that resonated with his massive fanbase.
Their friendship has culminated in Musk being tapped to lead a newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), giving him unprecedented influence over policy and regulation—a move raising eyebrows across the political spectrum.
Zuckerberg vs. Musk: A Rivalry Continues
Zuckerberg’s evolving relationship with Trump doesn’t erase his long-standing rivalry with Musk. The two tech moguls have clashed over everything from a failed satellite launch in 2016 to public jabs about a potential cage fight. While the bout remains hypothetical, their rivalry underscores the contrasting dynamics between Trump’s alliances with Musk and Zuckerberg.
As Trump prepares to take office, his ties to big tech figures like Musk and Zuckerberg will shape the administration’s tech policies, potentially redefining the relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington.
