Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is taking a more critical stance towards government regulation and social justice issues, as reported by The New York Times. Sources close to him suggest that he now leans towards libertarianism or classical liberalism. This shift aligns with a broader trend in Silicon Valley where tech leaders are increasingly supporting Republican ideals.
Zuckerberg and Trump: A Reconnection
Recently, Zuckerberg has been working on mending his relationship with Donald Trump. They reportedly had a friendly phone call where Trump expressed gratitude for Zuckerberg’s supportive comments after the assassination attempt on him. Zuckerberg described the moment when Trump got shot yet still pumped his fist in the air as “one of the most badass things” he’s ever witnessed. He noted that such resilience resonates with many Americans who admire Trump’s fighting spirit.
Election Year Changes in Silicon Valley
This election cycle has seen numerous tech executives who once supported Democrats now throwing their weight behind Trump. For instance, venture capitalists David Sacks and Chamath Palihapitiya organized a major fundraiser for Trump that raised over $12 million. Other prominent figures like Coinbase Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal were also present at this event.
Zuckerberg’s Regrets Over Past Actions
Zuckerberg has acknowledged past mistakes, particularly regarding Meta’s censorship during the COVID-19 pandemic, which he believes eroded public trust. He revealed that the Biden administration pressured Facebook to censor specific content and admitted he regretted going along with it.
A Shift in Workplace Policies
In 2022, Zuckerberg took steps to change Meta’s internal policies by banning discussions about abortion or racial justice movements among employees. This decision was another sign of his evolving viewpoint as he aims to create a more neutral work environment free from political debates.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hires Republican strategist to fix his PR with conservatives after years of censorship.
Zuckerberg reportedly now identifies as “libertarian.”
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The Growing Rightward Trend Among Tech Leaders
The current political landscape shows an increasing number of tech leaders aligning themselves with conservative values. Jacob Helberg from Palantir highlighted how support for Trump within Silicon Valley has surged significantly since 2016, indicating a major cultural shift among these influential figures.
Financial Support for Conservative Causes
Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, known for their legal battles with Zuckerberg over Facebook’s founding, have also thrown their financial backing behind Trump and other conservative candidates according to campaign finance records. Their contributions are part of a larger pattern where former skeptics of Republican leadership are now stepping up their support.
The Connection Between Tech Giants and Trump’s Image
As Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook noted, it’s not surprising that these tech titans feel aligned with Trump who often presents himself as both a savior and martyr figure. His approach appeals to those who prefer not to be constrained by traditional rules while pursuing their vision of America.
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