Meta expands its board with the addition of UFC President Dana White, X CEO John Elkann, and former Microsoft executive Shirley Sanghurst. The move aims to leverage expertise in AI, technology, and public relations.
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| Dana White, a close confidant of former President Trump, has been appointed to Meta's board of directors, signaling a potential shift in the company's relationship with the administration. Dana White. Photo: Collected from LinkedIn |
Menlo Park, California, USA - January 8, 2025:
In a move that signals a potential shift in its relationship with the Trump administration, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, announced the appointment of three newmembers to its board of directors on Monday. Among them is Dana White, a close associate of the former President.
White, President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has been a long-time friend of the former President. This appointment comes as the administration prepares to take office and follows other moves by Meta to strengthen ties, such as appointing Republican operative Joel Kaplan as its Chief Public Relations Officer.
The other two new directors are X CEO John Elkann and former Microsoft executive Shirley Sanghurst. Elkann, an heir to the prominent Agnelli industrial dynasty, currently leads major automakers Stellantis and Ferrari.
"I was initially hesitant, but Meta's offer was compelling," stated White. "I believe in the transformative power of social media and artificial intelligence."
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg echoed this sentiment in a statement: "Dana, John, and Shirley bring invaluable expertise that will guide us as we explore the potential of AI, wearable technology, and the future of public relations."
This move comes amidst a backdrop of strained relations between the former President and Meta. In 2021, Facebook suspended the former President's account following the Capitol Hill events. The former President has subsequently been a vocal critic of the platform and Zuckerberg, alleging bias against Republicans.
Meta's recent actions, including the appointment of White and Kaplan, and Zuckerberg's previous outreach efforts, suggest a concerted attempt to mend fences and cultivate a more favorable relationship with the current administration.