Meta Bolsters Board with UFC’s Dana White, Signaling Closer Ties to Trump Administration
January 6, 2025 – Menlo Park, CA – In a strategic move that has sent ripples through the tech and political landscapes, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced today the appointment of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White, along with two other prominent figures, to its board of directors. This expansion comes amid a concerted effort by Meta to strengthen its relationship with the incoming Trump administration, raising eyebrows and sparking speculation about the future direction of the social media giant.
The appointment of Mr. White, a long-time friend and supporter of President-elect Donald J. Trump, is particularly noteworthy. It follows a series of recent actions by Meta, including a restructuring of its policy team with a Republican-aligned executive at the helm and a substantial $1 million donation to Mr. Trump’s inaugural fund. These developments paint a clear picture of Meta actively courting the favor of the new administration, potentially seeking to mitigate regulatory scrutiny and foster a more amicable relationship with a historically critical Republican base.
Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, emphasized Mr. White’s business acumen and the remarkable success he has achieved with the UFC. “Dana is a visionary entrepreneur who has transformed the UFC into a global powerhouse,” Zuckerberg stated in a Facebook post. “His ability to build a beloved brand resonates deeply with our own aspirations at Meta.” The burgeoning personal friendship between the two, cemented by their shared enthusiasm for mixed martial arts, further underscores the strategic nature of this appointment. Mr. Zuckerberg himself took up the sport in 2022, further solidifying their bond. This personal connection adds another layer to the complex interplay between business, politics, and personal relationships at play in this high-profile appointment.
The addition of Mr. White isn’t the only significant change to Meta’s board. Joining him are John Elkann, the CEO of Exor, the European holding company controlling automotive giants like Jeep and Ferrari, and Charlie Songhurst, a seasoned tech investor with a background at Microsoft and recent involvement in advising Meta on Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects. These appointments signal a broader strategic shift for Meta, expanding its board’s expertise in areas crucial to the company’s future, including automotive technology, AI, and the evolving landscape of social media. The expansion of the board to 13 members provides a wider range of perspectives and experience to guide Meta’s future direction.
Mr. Zuckerberg highlighted the importance of these appointments in light of the company’s ambitious plans for the future. "We have massive opportunities ahead in AI, wearables, and the future of social media," he wrote. "Our board will play a critical role in helping us achieve our vision." Meta has been actively investing in these areas, developing wearable technology such as gaming headsets and camera-equipped sunglasses, and competing aggressively in the global AI race. The company recently launched its own generative AI system with open-source code, encouraging widespread adoption and modification. These strategic initiatives align with the expertise brought by the new board members, suggesting a focused approach to innovation and growth.
Meta’s overtures to the incoming administration come against a backdrop of persistent Republican criticism regarding the company’s content moderation policies. Mr. Trump and other conservatives have accused Meta of censoring conservative voices on its platforms, a charge the company has consistently denied. Several individuals appointed by the President-elect to oversee tech regulation have vowed to crack down on perceived censorship, adding pressure on Meta to navigate these politically charged waters. Mr. Zuckerberg’s recent meeting with Mr. Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where he congratulated the President-elect on his victory, further underscores the importance Meta places on fostering a positive relationship with the new administration. This meeting, combined with the board appointments, signals a proactive approach by Meta to address concerns and build bridges with the incoming administration.
The expansion of Meta’s board with these strategically chosen individuals signals a significant shift in the company’s approach to navigating the political and technological landscape. The appointment of Dana White, in particular, underscores the growing influence of the Trump administration on Silicon Valley and raises questions about the potential impact on Meta’s future policies and direction. The interplay between business, politics, and personal relationships in this situation highlights the complexities of operating in today’s interconnected world. As Meta embarks on its ambitious plans for the future, the role of its newly expanded board will be crucial in shaping the company’s trajectory and its relationship with a new political era. The long-term implications of these changes remain to be seen, but the stage is set for a potentially transformative period in Meta’s history.