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Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, confirmed the donation of one million dollars to the inaugural fund of Donald Trump, the elected president of the United States, who will take office on January 20.
The news, initially reported by the Wall Street Journal, was confirmed by a spokesperson to CBS News on Wednesday night, just two weeks after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had dinner with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
At that moment, Trump advisor Stephen Miller told Fox News that Zuckerberg had expressed his interest in supporting "America's national renewal under Trump's leadership."
This move highlights Meta's attempt to rebuild bridges with the incoming administration following the controversial decision to suspend Trump's account on Facebook after the events of January 6, 2021.
Although the company restored his account in 2023 with certain restrictions, these were lifted in July. Currently, Trump has a combined total of 65 million followers on Facebook and Instagram.
Meta has not been the only one to voice concerns about the potential treatment it could receive from a second Trump administration. The appointment of Brendan Carr, a well-known critic of big tech companies, as a possible leader of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has heightened the uncertainty.
In August, Zuckerberg sent a letter to Congress accusing the Biden administration of pressuring his team to censor COVID-19-related content, including humor and satire. In the letter, he described this pressure as "wrong" and stated that Meta would resist similar attempts in the future.
A change in direction in the relationship?
The donation to Trump's inaugural fund could be seen as an effort by Meta to improve its relationship with the former president, especially considering the impact that regulatory decisions could have on the tech sector.
While some interpret this gesture as business pragmatism, others view it as a strategic repositioning of Meta in the complex political landscape of the United States.
The relationship between Trump and major tech companies remains a topic of debate, but what is clear is that Meta is taking steps to influence the direction of this dynamic.
It is worth noting that the so-called Presidential Inaugural Fund of President-elect Donald Trump is used to finance events related to the presidential inauguration ceremony in the United States.
This does not come from public funds, but from private donations, typically contributed by individuals, corporations, and other entities that want to support the inauguration of the new president.
Its purpose is to finance all events and activities related to the inauguration ceremony of the elected president, including, among others:
Official inauguration ceremony: This includes the swearing-in ceremony held at the United States Capitol.
Inaugural Parade: It is the traditional march from the Capitol to the White House, featuring marching bands, military delegations, and other organizations.
Gala events and receptions: The dinners and inaugural dances held on the night of the opening are funded.
Public events and celebrations: Additional events open to the public can be organized, such as concerts and cultural performances.
Production and logistics expenses: This includes security, audiovisual production, decoration, personnel, and other operational aspects.
How is the Inaugural Fund financed?
Private donations: Corporations, companies, private entities, and individuals can contribute to this fund.
Limits and Transparency: Donations to the inaugural fund are regulated and must be reported publicly, but the laws allow for contributions that are significantly larger than those for political campaigns.
Donor records: Donations to the inaugural fund are typically published later in reports by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to ensure transparency.
Frequently asked questions about the relationship between Meta and Donald Trump
Why did Meta donate one million dollars to Donald Trump's inaugural fund?
Meta donated one million dollars to Donald Trump's inaugural fund as an effort to improve its relations with the incoming administration, especially in light of the potential appointment of Brendan Carr, a well-known critic of big tech companies, as the head of the Federal Communications Commission. This move could be seen as an attempt by Meta to shield itself from possible regulations under the new government.
What has the relationship between Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump been like?
The relationship between Mark Zuckerberg and Donald Trump has been marked by tensions and mutual accusations. Trump accused Meta of censoring conservative voices during the 2020 elections and referred to Facebook as the "enemy of the people." However, recently there has been a rapprochement, evidenced by the private dinner between Zuckerberg and Trump at Mar-a-Lago, suggesting an attempt to improve relations with the incoming administration.
What are the implications of restoring Trump's accounts on Facebook and Instagram?
The restoration of Trump's accounts on Facebook and Instagram suggests that Meta aims to provide equitable access to political expression on its platforms. After suspending the former president's accounts in 2021, Meta decided in 2024 to remove the additional monitoring, arguing that the American people should be able to hear presidential candidates on equal terms. This decision underscores the importance of political freedom of expression on social media.
What is the Presidential Inaugural Fund in the United States?
The Presidential Inaugural Fund is used to finance events related to the presidential inauguration ceremony in the United States. It does not come from public funds but rather from private donations made by individuals, businesses, and other entities. The fund covers activities such as the official inauguration ceremony, the inaugural parade, gala dinners, and other events related to the swearing-in.
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