UFC Boss Dana White Joins Meta's Board Amid Growing Ties with Trump

In a surprising move, Meta has revealed the appointment of three new members to its board, including Dana White, the chief executive of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a long-time ally of Donald Trump. This strategic choice comes at a time when Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, appears eager to reconcile relations with Trump ahead of his upcoming inauguration as the US president.

The shake-up follows the departure of former UK deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg, who stepped down from his role as president of global affairs at the tech giant. Incoming board members alongside White include John Elkann, head of the European investment firm Exor, and Charlie Songhurst, a former executive at Microsoft.

Zuckerberg stated, "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." He highlighted White's significant contributions in transforming the UFC into an international powerhouse.

On social media, White expressed his enthusiasm for being part of Meta's future, particularly in the realms of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. However, he has faced controversy over his reactions to issues surrounding free speech within the UFC. In a heated exchange with a reporter last year about fighters making anti-LGBT statements, White emphasized, "People can say whatever they want and they can believe whatever they want."

With a history of close ties with Trump, White's appointment signals a potential shift in Meta's strategy to re-establish its image following a chilly relationship with the former president, especially since Trump was banned from Facebook and Instagram after the Capitol riot in January 2021. Recently, Trump softened his rhetoric towards Zuckerberg, describing it as "nice" that Zuckerberg was "staying out of the election," and thanked him for a personal phone call following a serious security incident.

As Meta navigates these political waters, Zuckerberg's recent visit to Mar-a-Lago and a $1 million donation to Trump's inauguration fund suggest an increasing alignment with right-wing agendas, as the tech titan prepares for a new chapter in both its corporate strategy and political affiliations. This bold move raises questions about the future dynamics of social media governance and its intersection with politics. Will this usher in a new era for Meta, or will it lead to further backlash from the public and media? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this evolving story!