Meta Appoints UFC’s Dana White and Two Others to Board Amid Trump Reconciliation Efforts
Meta has announced the appointment of three high-profile figures to its board of directors, including Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a close ally of US president-elect Donald Trump. The move comes as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appears to be mending relations with Trump ahead of his inauguration later this month.
Joining White on the board are John Elkann, chairman of European investment firm Exor, and Charlie Songhurst, a former Microsoft executive. The appointments mark a significant shakeup at Meta, following the departure of Sir Nick Clegg, former UK deputy prime minister and Liberal Democrat leader, who recently stepped down as Meta’s president of global affairs. Clegg’s role has been filled by his deputy, Joel Kaplan, a prominent Republican known for his role in managing Meta’s relations with the GOP.
Zuckerberg expressed enthusiasm about the new additions to the board, highlighting their diverse expertise.
“Dana, John and Charlie will add a depth of expertise and perspective that will help us tackle the massive opportunities ahead with [artificial intelligence], wearables, and the future of human connection,” Zuckerberg said in a statement.
Dana White’s Impact and Connections
Meta specifically praised Dana White’s transformative leadership at UFC, underlining his success in turning the mixed martial arts organization into a global powerhouse. White, a longtime advocate for free speech, has faced scrutiny over his platform’s handling of controversial remarks, but he has consistently defended his commitment to open dialogue.
In a post on Meta’s Instagram, White expressed his excitement about the appointment:
“I love social media and am excited to be a small part of the future of [artificial intelligence] and emerging technologies,” he wrote.
White’s appointment also underscores his enduring relationship with Trump, a connection that has spanned decades. White was a vocal supporter of Trump during his presidential campaigns and has frequently lauded him in public appearances.
- Learn more about Dana White’s impact on UFC.
- Discover Meta’s latest AI advancements.
Meta’s Evolving Relationship with Trump
The board shakeup comes amid a noticeable thawing of relations between Zuckerberg and Trump, which had been strained since Trump’s ban from Facebook and Instagram following the January 2021 Capitol riot. Recently, however, tensions appear to have eased.
Zuckerberg and Trump met privately at Mar-a-Lago after Trump’s November electoral victory, and earlier this month, Zuckerberg donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund. Trump himself acknowledged the improved relations, expressing appreciation for Zuckerberg’s outreach during a podcast interview in October.
This shift in dynamics comes despite past animosity, including Trump’s fiery comments in August suggesting Zuckerberg would “spend the rest of his life in prison” if he interfered in the 2024 election. Trump later softened his stance, praising Zuckerberg for “staying out of the election.”
- Read about Trump’s changing relationship with social media.
Strategic Appointments and AI Ambitions
Meta’s latest board appointments also signal its continued push toward artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. With leaders like White, Elkann, and Songhurst, Meta appears focused on leveraging expertise in diverse industries to navigate its next phase of growth.
The appointments reflect broader changes within Meta, as Zuckerberg aims to position the company as a leader in AI and wearable technology while strengthening relationships across the political spectrum.
For more updates on Meta’s strategic moves and the evolving tech landscape, visit Tech Enquirer.