Meta Platforms Inc. donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund as part of an effort to foster a positive relationship with the administration after a history of tension.
The donation, while modest, is notable as Meta did not make similar contributions to President Joe Biden or during Trump’s previous term. It follows a November dinner between Trump and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg at Mar-a-Lago. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the donation, initially reported by The Wall Street Journal, but declined to provide further comment.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, was a key platform for Trump during his first term until his accounts were suspended after the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.
Meta banned his accounts due to concerns that his actions could incite more violence by challenging Biden’s election victory.
Trump’s accounts were reinstated in 2023, but he persisted in criticizing Zuckerberg, claiming unfair treatment.
In March, Trump called Meta the “enemy of the people” and later implied that Zuckerberg should be jailed for alleged election interference.
However, Zuckerberg has since made a more public appeal to Trump, describing his response to a near-assassination attempt as “badass.”
He also called the President-elect this summer to apologize for mistakenly applying a fact-check to photos of Trump.
Zuckerberg is one of several influential tech executives and venture capitalists who, after previously criticizing Trump, have worked to build a stronger ties with him as he returns to the White House.
