Meta Bolsters Board with UFC Chief and Industry Leaders Amidst Strengthening Ties with Trump Administration
January 6, 2025, 6:35 p.m. ETD – Menlo Park, CA – In a strategic move signaling a closer alignment with the incoming Trump administration, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced today the appointment of three new members to its board of directors. Among the appointees is Dana White, the outspoken president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a longtime friend of President-elect Donald J. Trump. This addition comes on the heels of recent leadership changes within Meta’s policy team, further solidifying the company’s connection to the Republican establishment.
The appointment of Mr. White, a prominent figure in the world of professional fighting, underscores a burgeoning personal relationship with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The two have reportedly bonded over a shared enthusiasm for mixed martial arts, a sport Mr. Zuckerberg embraced in 2022. This mutual interest even led to Mr. White attempting to orchestrate a highly publicized cage match between Mr. Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter) in 2023. The proposed fight ultimately fell through, with both sides attributing the cancellation to scheduling conflicts and prior injuries.
Mr. Zuckerberg, in a Facebook post announcing the appointments, lauded Mr. White’s entrepreneurial acumen and his success in transforming the UFC into a global sporting phenomenon. "Dana is the President and CEO of UFC, and he has built it into one of the most valuable, fastest growing, and most popular sports enterprises in the world," Mr. Zuckerberg stated. He further emphasized his admiration for Mr. White’s ability to cultivate a beloved brand.
Joining Mr. White on the expanded 13-member board are John Elkann, the CEO of Exor, a European holding company with controlling stakes in iconic brands such as Jeep and Ferrari, and Charlie Songhurst, a seasoned tech investor with a background at Microsoft and recent experience advising Meta on its artificial intelligence initiatives. These appointments bring a wealth of experience in diverse industries to Meta’s leadership, bolstering its strategic capabilities.
Mr. Zuckerberg highlighted the significant opportunities ahead for Meta in the realms of artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and the future of social media. He expressed confidence that the expanded board will play a crucial role in realizing the company’s vision in these areas. Meta has been actively developing wearable technology, including gaming headsets and camera-equipped sunglasses. It is also deeply engaged in the global race for artificial intelligence dominance, having launched its own open-source generative AI system, promoting wider accessibility and collaboration within the AI community.
The timing of these appointments and Meta’s recent $1 million donation to Mr. Trump’s inaugural fund suggest a proactive effort to foster a positive relationship with the incoming administration. Meta has faced persistent criticism from Republicans regarding its content moderation policies, with accusations of bias against conservative viewpoints. Several individuals appointed by Mr. Trump to oversee the tech industry have signaled their intent to address these concerns, raising the stakes for Meta and other social media platforms. Mr. Zuckerberg’s recent meeting with Mr. Trump at Mar-a-Lago, where he reportedly congratulated the President-elect on his victory, further underscores the company’s efforts to build bridges with the new administration. This strategic positioning within the political landscape could prove crucial for Meta as it navigates the evolving regulatory environment and seeks to maintain its dominant position in the social media landscape. The addition of Mr. White, with his close ties to Mr. Trump, could potentially serve as a valuable conduit for communication and influence within the new power structure.
The expansion of Meta’s board also reflects the company’s ambitious growth strategy. With the addition of experienced leaders from diverse sectors, Meta is signaling its intent to expand beyond its core social media business and solidify its position as a major player in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The expertise brought by Mr. Elkann and Mr. Songhurst will be instrumental as Meta navigates the complex challenges and opportunities presented by the convergence of artificial intelligence, wearable technology, and the ever-changing dynamics of the digital world.
The long-term implications of these appointments remain to be seen. However, it is clear that Meta is actively positioning itself for success in the new political and technological landscape. The addition of Mr. White, a controversial figure with close ties to the incoming president, will undoubtedly draw scrutiny. Whether this move ultimately benefits Meta or creates further complications remains an open question. As the company continues to expand its reach and influence, its relationship with the Trump administration will be a key factor to watch in the coming years. The appointments also signal a shift in Meta’s strategic direction, with a renewed focus on emerging technologies and a willingness to engage with political figures across the spectrum. The coming years will reveal whether this strategic realignment will translate into sustained growth and influence for the social media giant.