Recently, Meta Platforms made headlines by appointing three new members to its board, one of whom is Dana White, the head honcho of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a well-known associate of the incoming president, Donald Trump.
The social media giant also recognized Charlie Songhurst—a savvy investor and ex-Microsoft executive—and John Elkann, the CEO of Exor, a company owned by Italy’s Agnelli family, which has stakeholdings in a plethora of European enterprises, including luxury brands like Ferrari and Christian Louboutin.
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Dana, John, and Charlie will bring a wealth of expertise and unique perspectives that will be crucial as we navigate exciting opportunities in AI, wearable technology, and the evolving landscape of human interaction.”
It’s noteworthy that Dana White and Donald Trump have maintained a long-standing relationship. White has previously rallied in support of Trump during the Republican National Conventions in 2016, 2020, and again recently in July.
In a light-hearted social media exchange back in 2022, Zuckerberg took a moment to thank White for the invite to a UFC event. UFC, in turn, shared a snapshot capturing the two in a heartfelt embrace near the iconic “Octagon” where the thrilling fights unfold.
Beyond his role at Exor, Elkann wears multiple hats; he serves as the executive chairman of Stellantis and Ferrari, alongside chairing the Agnelli Foundation—a nonprofit that emphasizes advancements in education.
As for Charlie Songhurst, he’s no stranger to Meta. Since May, he’s been part of a select AI advisory group tasked with illuminating “strategic opportunities” aligned with the company’s evolving roadmap.
In recent months, Zuckerberg has been strategically positioning Meta, considering the possibility of a second Trump administration. He’s voiced regret over some of the content management decisions made in the past that didn’t sit well with conservative users while praising Trump’s handling of a recent assassination attempt.
Additionally, Meta has made waves by appointing notable Republican policy veteran Joel Kaplan as the head of global affairs—an indication of the company’s shifting dynamics. Interestingly, Meta also contributed a cool $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, marking a notable shift from their prior stances.
As this new chapter unfolds at Meta, the implications of these appointments and donations could reverberate through both the tech world and the political landscape. This move appears to align with Zuckerberg’s attempts to mend fences with conservatives while embracing a future enriched by innovative technology and fresh leadership perspectives.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
