Meta has announced the addition of three new board members, notably including Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a known ally of Donald Trump. This strategic move coincides with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s attempts to rebuild relationships with Trump as the US president-elect prepares for inauguration.
In a significant shift, Sir Nick Clegg has departed from his role as president of global affairs at Meta, paving the way for a new leadership dynamic. Joining the board alongside White are John Elkann, the head of European investment firm Exor, and Charlie Songhurst, a former executive at Microsoft.
Zuckerberg expressed confidence that the new members, particularly White, will enhance Meta’s capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, wearables, and the evolving nature of human connection. White has been acknowledged for his pivotal role in transforming UFC into a global enterprise and expressed enthusiasm for participating in the future of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
White has consistently defended the UFC against accusations of hate speech, advocating for free speech rights. His historical connection with Trump spans decades, and his appointment follows the announcement of prominent Republican Joel Kaplan taking over Clegg’s position, showcasing a shift toward stronger ties with the Republican Party.
Recent months have seen a noticeable warming of relations between Meta and Trump, especially following the social media platform’s ban on Trump post the January 2021 Capitol riot. Notably, Trump previously claimed Zuckerberg would face severe consequences if he interfered in the upcoming election; however, Trump’s tone has softened, indicating appreciation for Zuckerberg’s recent gestures.
Zuckerberg’s interactions with Trump appear to signal a new chapter for Meta, reflecting a strategic alignment that may influence the company’s path moving forward in the political and technological landscape.
