Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Seeks Active Role in Trump’s Tech Policies
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta Platforms, is seeking to play a prominent role in shaping the U.S. tech policy under the incoming Trump administration. According to Nick Clegg, Meta’s president of global affairs, Zuckerberg aims to participate in the critical discussions surrounding America’s technological leadership, particularly in light of the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for both cybersecurity and global competition.
Clegg highlighted the growing importance of U.S. tech policy as geopolitical uncertainties persist, emphasizing AI’s pivotal role in the global tech landscape. Zuckerberg’s involvement in these discussions signals Meta’s commitment to engaging with the new administration on key technological issues.
Trump’s Plans to Roll Back AI Executive Orders
One of the major tech policy discussions in the upcoming administration will be AI. On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to reverse the Biden administration’s 2023 executive order on AI, which aimed to position the U.S. as a global leader in the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence. The Biden order had called for major AI developers to share safety test results with the federal government and mandated that federal agencies implement guardrails for AI systems.
The Republican platform for 2024 advocates for the repeal of the executive order, which it claims hinders innovation and imposes what it describes as “radical leftwing” ideas on AI development. This stance aligns with Trump’s promise to reshape the nation’s approach to AI in a way that fosters more innovation.
Zuckerberg’s Relationship with the Trump Administration
While Zuckerberg has not been as closely involved with the Trump administration as other tech figures like Elon Musk, he has visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Meta expressed its appreciation for the invitation, with a statement from the company calling the moment an “important time for the future of American innovation.” This visit reflects Zuckerberg’s willingness to engage with the president-elect and his administration on matters of technological progress.
Meta and Zuckerberg have had a complex relationship with the federal government over the years. Zuckerberg has previously expressed regret for not resisting pressure from government officials to remove certain COVID-19 related posts on Facebook and Instagram. Despite these tensions, Meta’s significant investments in AI underscore the company’s focus on future growth.
Meta’s Investment in AI
Meta has significantly increased its focus on AI this year. In its third-quarter earnings report, the company raised its capital expenditure estimates for 2024 to between $38 billion and $40 billion, with a large portion of this investment directed toward AI development. Zuckerberg stated that AI presents new opportunities to accelerate Meta’s core business, with strong potential for return on investment in the coming years.
Furthermore, the company has committed to expanding its infrastructure to support these AI advancements. Zuckerberg emphasized the ongoing need for serious investments in AI infrastructure, which will continue to be a major focus for Meta in 2025.