Trump calls on Voight, Stallone and Gibson for Hollywood revamp
President-elect Donald Trump has announced a new approach to Hollywood. He is appointing three well-known actors to serve as his “eyes and ears” in the entertainment industry.
Trump introduced Jon Voight, Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone as part of his team. He believes these industry veterans can help address what he describes as a “troubled place.”
In a Truth Social post Thursday, Jan. 16, Trump said in part, “They will serve as Special Envoys to me for the purpose of bringing Hollywood, which has lost much business over the last four years to Foreign Countries, BACK—BIGGER, BETTER, AND STRONGER THAN EVER BEFORE!”
The exact roles of the trio remain unclear. However, all three actors have previously expressed public support for Trump.
Voight has been one of Trump’s most outspoken advocates in Hollywood. In a 2019 video, Voight said, “I know you will agree with me when I say our president has our utmost respect and our love.”
Voight’s loyalty to Trump was also recognized when the president awarded him the National Medal of Arts in 2019.
Stallone has also demonstrated support for Trump. Recently, he attended the America First Policy Gala in Palm Beach, Florida. During the event, Stallone introduced Trump as the “second George Washington.”
Gibson joined the list of supporters during the 2024 presidential election. He publicly endorsed Trump, stating his concerns about the opposition. In an interview referring to Vice President Kamala Harris, Gibson said, “I know what it’ll be like if we let her in, and that ain’t good.”
For now, the specific plans and goals for this team remain unclear. However, Trump has stated he intends to consider any ideas they propose for revitalizing the entertainment industry.
Trump holds ‘very good’ phone call with Xi, China sending VP to inauguration
In a historic move, China will send one of its highest-ranking officials to Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20. Vice President Han Zheng will attend as a special representative for President Xi Jinping, marking the first time China has sent such a senior Communist Party official to a U.S. presidential inauguration.
The confirmation that China will be represented at the inaugural ceremony comes as President-elect Trump himself confirmed a phone call with China’s President Xi Jinping on Friday, Jan. 17.
Trump posted to Truth Social, stating, “I just spoke to Chairman Xi Jinping of China. The call was a very good one for both China and the U.S.A. It is my expectation that we will solve many problems together, and starting immediately. We discussed balancing Trade, Fentanyl, TikTok, and many other subjects. President Xi and I will do everything possible to make the World more peaceful and safe!”
President Xi Jinping echoed Trump’s sentiments about the call, saying that both leaders expressed “hope for greater progress in U.S.-China relations,” according to Reuters.
While Trump had initially invited Xi to attend his inauguration, the Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed in a media statement that Vice President Han Zheng would represent China at the event.
The statement read, “We stand ready to work with the new U.S. government to enhance dialogue and communication … and find the right way for the two countries to get along with each other.”
During Trump’s first term in office, he traveled to China and was greeted by Xi Jinping, who provided Trump with a rare tour of the Forbidden City. Xi also visited Mar-a-Lago in 2017 for a meeting with Trump, which remains his last visit to the United States.
Trump calls Fetterman ‘impressive’ after meeting at Mar-a-Lago
President-elect Donald Trump met with Democratic Sen. John Fetterman, Pa., at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend of Jan. 11. In an interview with the Washington Examiner after the meeting, Trump called Fetterman a “fascinating” person, and said he was impressed with the Pennsylvania senator.
“It was a totally fascinating meeting. He’s a fascinating man, and his wife is lovely. They were both up, and I couldn’t be more impressed,” Trump told the Washington Examiner. “He’s a commonsense person. He’s not liberal or conservative. He’s just a commonsense person, which is beautiful.”
Trump met with Fetterman and his wife for an hour, discussing a range of topics, including U.S. Steel, support for Israel in the Israel-Hamas conflict, border security and the “geopolitical benefits” of Trump’s attempts to acquire Greenland.
Before flying to Florida for the meeting, Fetterman joked to reporters that he accepted Trump’s invitation so he could become the “Pope of Greenland.”
Later, Fetterman said in a statement, “President Trump invited me to meet, and I accepted. I’m the senator for all Pennsylvanians — not just Democrats in Pennsylvania. I’ve been clear that no one is my gatekeeper. I will meet with and have a conversation with anyone if it helps me deliver for Pennsylvania and the nation.”
Trump said his initial impression of Fetterman was that he was “very liberal,” but that changed after Fetterman publicly showed unwavering commitment to supporting Israel.
Since then, Fetterman has broken from fellow Democrats on issues like immigration, and has voiced support for some of Trump’s cabinet picks. He also became the first Senate Democrat to join Trump’s Truth Social platform after Trump won the election.
Most recently, Fetterman cosponsored the “Laken Riley Act” with Republican Sen. Katie Britt, Ala., urging his Democratic colleagues to pass the bill when it is considered for a possible vote this week.
Trump denies report that team is considering scaled-back tariffs
President-elect Donald Trump denied an exclusive report by The Washington Post on Monday, Jan. 6, that claimed he’s considering scaling back his tariff plans. Trump called the story “fake news.”
According to The Post, Trump aides are still looking into applying tariffs to every country, but with a more targeted approach aimed at critical imports.
Trump responded to the report just hours after the article’s publication.
“The story in the Washington Post (sic), quoting so-called anonymous sources, which don’t exist, incorrectly states that my tariff policy will be pared back. That is wrong. The Washington Post knows it’s wrong. It’s just another example of fake news,” Trump posted to Truth Social.
The Washington Post cited “three familiar sources with the matter.”
Many economists warned the move could drive up inflation.
A recent poll by the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business and the Financial Times found that 61% of economists surveyed in the U.S. said the tariff measures proposed during Trump’s campaign would have “large” or “some” negative consequences.
The U.S. dollar fell more than one percent Monday in reaction to the report.
The Post’s report didn’t detail which critical sectors the tariffs would target. The sources said preliminary discussions have focused on what Trump wants to bring back to the U.S. That includes the defense industrial supply chain, like steel, iron and aluminum; medical supplies, like syringes and needles; and energy production, including batteries, rare minerals and solar panels.
The Washington Post has yet to respond to Trump’s comment on its report.
How Jimmy Carter’s death was politicized in headlines: Bias Breakdown
As the world prepares for the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, the condolences offered by President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump are being politicized in news headlines. Carter passed away Sunday, Dec. 29, and swift reactions poured in, with Trump taking to Truth Social and Biden holding a press conference.
Right-leaning news outlets largely highlighted criticism of Biden’s speech.
Fox News: “Biden shredded for calling on Trump to emulate ‘decency’ shown by Carter.”
Daily Mail: “Biden uses remarks about Jimmy Carter’s death to make not-so-subtle dig at Trump.”
New York Post: “Biden ripped for needling Trump in response to Jimmy Carter’s death: ‘Unmitigated gall.’”
Left-leaning outlets largely focused on criticism of Trump’s remarks on Carter over time.
The Daily Beast: “Trump Ticks Off MAGA With U-Turn on Jimmy Carter.”
New Republic: “Trump Pisses Off MAGA Fans With Sudden Reversal on Jimmy Carter.”
USA Today: “From ‘worst president’ to ‘highest respect’: Trump softens opinion of Jimmy Carter in death.”
Biden spoke about his relationship with Carter in a speech, referring to him as a dear friend, a statesman and a humanitarian — someone the country could idolize.
“What I find extraordinary about Jimmy Carter though is that millions of people all around the world feel they lost a friend as well, even though they never met him,” Biden said. “That’s because Jimmy Carter lived a life measured not by words, but by his deeds.”
However, it was the next part of Biden’s speech that became the focus of some right-leaning news coverage, when a reporter asked Biden if there was anything incoming President Trump could take away from the late president.
“Is there anything President Trump could take away from President Carter?” the reporter asked.
“Decency, decency, decency,” Biden responded. “Everybody deserves a shot, everybody. Can you imagine Jimmy Carter walking by someone who needs something and just keep walking? Can you imagine Jimmy Carter referring to someone by the way they look or talk? I can’t. I can’t.”
Biden’s remarks, calling Carter a man of decency in response to a question about Trump, were widely reported. However, the way the comment was framed differed between left-leaning and right-leaning media.
The right-leaning outlets related the remarks back to a dig at Trump, while some left-leaning outlets reported the quote without mentioning what provoked Biden’s response.
In NBC’s write-up, Biden’s comments were presented as a tribute to Carter’s character.
“Biden, who said he was the first national figure to endorse Carter when he ran for president in 1976, lauded the former president’s character. Biden said his memories of Carter boiled down to ‘decency, decency, decency’ and Carter’s belief that everybody ‘deserved a shot,’” NBC reported.
Trump’s name was not mentioned in the NBC article.
While Biden’s remarks were reported differently depending on a news outlet’s political lean, the same was true for Trump’s tribute to Carter.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as president understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the greatest nation in history. The challenges Jimmy faced as president came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
In another post, Trump added: “While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our country, and all it stands for. He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed.”
These posts led to different angles in news coverage, particularly among left-leaning outlets, regarding a shift in Trump’s tone.
The Daily Beast led its article with: “Donald Trump supporters called out the president-elect for failing to ‘keep it real’ in his glowing tribute to former president Jimmy Carter following his death at 100 on Sunday. Trump’s message to Carter was a departure from his usual attacks on the Democrat, whom he had ripped into just days earlier for brokering a deal in 1977 over the Panama Canal.”
In USA Today’s article, examples of Trump’s rhetoric prior to Carter’s death were cited.
“Trump offered a far less charitable view of Carter when he was alive,” USA Today reported. “For years, Trump, a Republican, has mocked the one-term, Democratic commander-in-chief as the nation’s worst president. Just two months ago, on Carter’s 100th birthday, Trump suggested the terminally ill centenarian was happy because Joe Biden had finally replaced him as the worst president ever.”
Past specific feuds between Trump and Carter were not mentioned in the earlier right-leaning news articles covering reactions to Carter’s death.
These editorial decisions differed across news outlets when reporting on this story. The context behind Biden’s answer about Carter’s decency was more relevant for right-leaning outlets, and context between Carter and Trump’s past was more relevant for left-leaning outlets.
Right-leaning news outlets were largely more critical of Biden’s response, while left-leaning outlets were largely more critical of Trump’s response.
Trump nominees told not to post on social media without approval
President-elect Donald Trump’s chief of staff told incoming administration officials to refrain from posting on social media without prior approval of the incoming White House counsel. The message was obtained by the New York Post, which reported Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles also told everyone she appreciates how enthusiastic they are.
“I am reiterating that no member of the incoming administration or Transition speaks for the United States or the President-elect himself,” Wiles told nominees.
A transition source told the Post that the memo was not a response to a recent controversy involving Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy regarding H-1B visas. The incoming co-chairs of the Department of Government Efficiency said the American workforce doesn’t have enough qualified workers to fill high-skill technical positions, forcing companies to bring in workers from other countries.
Musk said the U.S. needs more than 300,000 engineers immediately to boost America’s semiconductor industry.
“The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low,” Musk added.
No, we need more like double that number yesterday!
The number of people who are super talented engineers AND super motivated in the USA is far too low.
Think of this like a pro sports team: if you want your TEAM to win the championship, you need to recruit top talent wherever…
Ramaswamy said it was a problem with American culture that celebrates the jock over the valedictorian.
“‘Normalcy’ doesn’t cut it in a hyper-competitive global market for technical talent. And if we pretend like it does, we’ll have our asses handed to us by China,” he posted on X.
The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over “native” Americans isn’t because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation). A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers & if…
The transition source told the Post that the memo “was a reminder of the guidance to intended nominees as confirmation hearings get underway next week.”
Multiple Trump cabinet nominees are expected to have challenging confirmation hearings due to their past statements and actions. That includes Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services secretary, Tulsi Gabbard for director of National Intelligence and Kash Patel for FBI director.
Days after threatening to take back control of the Panama Canal, President-elect Donald Trump announced his pick for U.S. ambassador to Panama. Trump also accused Panama of allowing Chinese soldiers to operate the canal as a Hong Kong-based contractor manages two of its ports.
“I am pleased to announce that Kevin Marino Cabrera will serve as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Panama, a country that is ripping us off on the Panama Canal, far beyond their wildest dreams,” Trump posted to his social media site, Truth Social.
Trump added that Cabrera “will do a fantastic job representing our nation’s interests in Panama!”
Cabrera is currently a Miami-Dade County commissioner and vice chair of the International Trade Consortium.
The United States constructed the canal from 1903 to 1914 under President Theodore Roosevelt. The U.S. maintained operations of the passageway until President Jimmy Carter signed a treaty in 1977. That treaty transferred its control to Panama in 1999.
Meanwhile, in another Truth Social post, Trump said, “Merry Christmas to all, including to the wonderful soldiers of China, who are lovingly, but illegally, operating the Panama Canal (where we lost 38,000 people in its building 110 years ago), always making certain that the United States puts in Billions of Dollars in ‘repair’ money, but will have absolutely nothing to say about ‘anything.’”
Panama’s president, José Raúl Mulino, pushed back on Trump’s claims during a press conference, calling them “nonsense.”
“There is not a single Chinese soldier in the canal, and on the other hand, it’s not going to happen. We maintain a respectful, well-managed relationship with China in terms of what is in the interest of both countries,” Mulino said.
Panama’s president also denied that his country was ripping off the United States with high tariffs to use the waterway.
Government shutdown looms as House votes against latest funding bill
A government shutdown looms nearer after the House rejected a bill that would have kept it funded into March. And drones are now banned in parts of New York and New Jersey after a spate of mysterious sightings. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
House votes against latest stopgap bill aimed to avoid government shutdown
The House rejected a stopgap bill Thursday, Dec. 19, that would have kept the government running. The vote came ahead of a potential shutdown starting at midnight Saturday, Dec. 21, when lawmakers head home for the holidays.
The bill fell short of the needed two-thirds majority to speed up its passage. More than three dozen Republicans joined 197 Democrats in voting against it. Republicans split with each other on how the bill handles government spending.
“Three hundred and thirty billion dollars. Congratulations. You’ve added to the debt since you were given the majority again on Nov. 5,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said.
Roy voted against the bill.
He added, “It’s embarrassing. It’s shameful. Yes, I think this bill is better than it was yesterday in certain respects. But to take this bill, to take this bill yesterday and congratulate yourself because it’s shorter in pages but increases the debt by $5 trillion, is asinine.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said on the House floor, “The deal on the table will keep the government open for the American people and if you guys so choose to shut it down, it will be on you but not the Republican Party.”
She added, “We will not be going back to the table. This deal stands as it is. So let you go back home on Christmas and explain to your people why you shut down the government because we won’t be doing it.”
The latest spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, is a quickly amended bill tailored to the liking of President-elect Donald Trump and his top ally Elon Musk.
Musk postedrepeatedlyonX condemning the original bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., worked on it with bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats.
However, when both Musk and Trump opposed the bill, that guaranteed most House Republicans would vote against it and forced Johnson to craft a new bill.
Now, there are two conflicting interests. Musk wants major government spending cuts, and while Trump agrees, he also wants to permanently suspend the debt ceiling.
The new plan lifts the debt limit, leading Trump to support the bill in a Truth Social post.
“Now we can Make America Great Again, very quickly, which is what the People gave us a mandate to accomplish,” Trump posted.
But Democrats attacked the bill over what spending Republicans chose to cut.
“The Musk-Johnson proposal is not serious, it’s laughable,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. “Extreme MAGA Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown.”
The bill removed funding for a bipartisan program for pediatric cancer research, studying genetic conditions like Down syndrome and treatment options for sickle cell disease as well as cancers.
It will be on Johnson to craft a bill to secure votes from the majority of the House.
However, Johnson may not have the political leeway to rely on support from Democrats. He’ll need nearly every returning member of the House Republican caucus to vote for him next month to remain speaker.
The new Congress takes office in the new year.
New details of accused UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter’s plan emerge
Newly unsealed court documents put into perspective what led up to the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A federal complaint shed light on 26-year-old Luigi Mangione’s “hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.”
In a notebook found on Mangione when he was arrested, he allegedly wrote of his plans to “wack” an insurance company CEO at its investor conference. Federal prosecutors said he traveled from Georgia to New York to stalk and kill Thompson.
Magione appeared in a New York courtroom Thursday, and four new federal charges were levied against him. The charges included murder with a firearm, which is an offense punishable by the death penalty.
The hearing followed Mangione’s extradition from Pennsylvania, where police arrested him on Dec. 9, to New York.
Armed guards surrounded Mangione as NYPD officers walked him off a helicopter upon his arrival in Manhattan. New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the walk.
“Police Commissioner [Jessica] Tisch and I all want to send a very clear and loud message that this act of terrorism and the violence that stems from it is something that will not be tolerated in this city,” Adams told the press at the site of the helicopter arrival.
Mangione already faces state-level charges in New York. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought charges against him Tuesday, Dec. 17, including for murder as an act of terrorism.
However, Mangione also received a hero’s welcome from protesters outside the courthouse. Thompson’s killing sparked backlash against the health insurance industry and its coverage policies.
While judges have not set any dates yet, Mangione will face state-level charges first. A federal trial will follow.
New York abolished the death penalty, meaning it’s not an option for Mangione in the state-level case. However, the death penalty can still be exercised in the federal case.
FAA temporarily bans drones in parts of New York and New Jersey
Drones are now banned in parts of New York and New Jersey — at least for the time being. It comes amid an investigation into multiple mysterious sightings over the last month that set off fear and speculation.
In a statement, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the Federal Aviation Administration’s bans are “purely precautionary.” Meanwhile, the FAA’s restrictions in New Jersey are largely aimed at limiting drone flights over power stations and infrastructure.
The FAA implemented emergency flight restrictions across New Jersey, prohibiting drone operations until Jan. 17, 2025, for “special security reasons.” Unless operators obtain special government clearance, the directive bans uncrewed aircraft within a one-nautical-mile radius of designated areas and up to 400 feet in altitude.
The FAA designated areas such as Camden, Jersey City, Elizabeth and South Brunswick as “National Defense Airspace.”
Violators may face severe penalties, including interception, detention, certificate revocation and potential criminal charges. In extreme cases, authorities are authorized to use “deadly force” against drones posing an “imminent security threat.”
These restrictions follow a surge in unexplained drone sightings across New Jersey and nearby states that began in mid-November. Federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Defense (DOD), received over 5,000 reports of drone activity.
Dow Jones snaps worst losing streak in 50 years
The Dow Jones Industrial Average snapped its worst losing streak in 50 years Thursday. The losing streak lasted 10 days.
During the losing streak, the market wiped out all of its post-election gains. The Dow ended Wednesday down 2.5% from when Trump won the election.
Also on Wednesday, Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index, had its second-biggest percentage spike in history. The VIX shot up 74% after the Federal Reserve shared its outlook for the coming year.
On Wednesday, the Fed cut its benchmark interest rate for a third time in 2024, which was widely predicted.
Feeling the holiday blues?
The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the season can bring about sadness and stress for many. This -emotional shift, commonly known as the “holiday blues” or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can affect millions of people across the country.
Licensed adult psychiatrist Dr. Patrice Mann said the holiday blues are due to several factors. They include social pressures, disruptive routines and financial strain.
“Things like having a bunch of holiday events on the calendar, not to say we don’t look forward to them oftentimes, but they take a toll on us,” says Dr. Mann. “You’re up late, interacting with a lot of people, and that’s not everyone’s nature.”
Grief and seasonal depression can also complicate these feelings. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seasonal depression affects millions of Americans every year, but many may not even realize they have it.
Symptoms of holiday blues and seasonal depression can include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities and changes in eating or sleeping habits. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, Dr. Mann said it could indicate a more serious depressive episode. In such cases, seeking professional help is important.
Dr. Mann recommended several self-care strategies to help manage both the holiday blues and seasonal depression. She suggested getting tested for vitamin D deficiency and taking supplements during winter. Vitamin D plays a vital role in mood and energy levels.
She also advised getting as much sunlight as possible during the shorter winter days. Light therapy boxes can mimic outdoor sunlight if natural sunlight isn’t available. Using them for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning can help trick the brain and improve mood.
For those experiencing grief during the holidays, Dr. Mann encouraged reflecting on personal needs and communicating with trusted friends or family members. She also recommended incorporating new social activities into your routine and checking in with yourself after attending events.
For those supporting others through grief, it’s important to recognize that everyone processes emotions differently. Dr. Mann suggested engaging in activities with those less open about mental health, such as cooking or playing games, to help create a comfortable environment for them to express themselves.
While the holiday season brings unique challenges, small steps can make a big difference. Prioritizing self-care, maintaining routines and reaching out for support are important practices to help manage holiday stress.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that professional help is available. The National Suicide Hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling 988.
John Fetterman joins Truth Social, backs Trump cabinet picks
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman became the first Senate Democrat to join Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social. Fetterman’s first post was as controversial as his decision to join the site.
The Pennsylvania lawmaker called for Trump to be pardoned just like Hunter Biden. He criticized the “weaponization of the judiciary” rhetoric that aligns with Trump’s views.
Fetterman’s shift away from Democratic positions gained traction earlier this year when he became a vocal supporter of Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war. He went so far as to wrap himself in an Israeli flag, condemn pro-Palestinian protesters for “praising Hamas terrorists” and hang photos of Israeli hostages outside his office door at the U.S. Capitol.
His support for Israel led him to back New York Rep. Elise Stefanik,R, whom Trump nominated for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
Fetterman posted to X this week, saying, “Always was a hard yes for Elise Stefanik, but it was a pleasure to have a conversation.”
He called for defunding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) over its alleged Hamas infiltration, a stance commonly supported by Republicans.
“Meeting folks where they are”
In addition to supporting Trump’s U.N. ambassador pick, Fetterman met with Pete Hegseth, a controversial figure Trump nominated for secretary of defense. Fetterman was the first Senate Democrat to meet with Hegseth and said he was not ruling out backing his nomination.
“I suspect there are some things we might agree on in terms of military, whether it’s China or Israel, and maybe disagree some, perhaps on Ukraine,” Fetterman told CNN. “But I think it’s an opportunity to have a conversation. I’m not sure why it would be controversial to anybody if he’s the individual who could potentially be the next secretary of defense.”
Earlier this year, Fetterman weighed in on immigration, urging Democrats to stop “pretending” there wasn’t a crisis at the border. He said Democrats can be “pro-immigration” while still calling for “strong, secure borders.” It’s a position Republicans emphasized in recent elections.
While Fetterman’s decision to join Truth Social caused a stir, he said it’s part of a larger outreach effort. He also joined Bluesky, a platform that gained popularity among left-leaning users seeking an alternative to X (formerly Twitter).
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta spends $1 million to mend fences with Trump
Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is using $1 million to mend fences with President-elect Donald Trump. The social media company Trump has called a “true Enemy of the People” donated the sum to his inaugural fund.
The company behind Facebook confirmed the donation to multiple outlets. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report it.
It’s a break from tradition for Meta, which did not donate to Trump’s first inauguration nor President Joe Biden’s.
The company would not expand further on the million-dollar gift, but The Wall Street Journal reported that Meta told Trump aides about the planned donation before a dinner last month between Zuckerberg and Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Zuckerberg is navigating a years-long rift with the incoming president, sparked in part by a $400 million donation in 2020 from Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan. The money went to local and state governments to help with election infrastructure during the pandemic.
Trump accused them of using the money to boost Democratic turnout.
“We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison – as will others who cheat in the 2024 Presidential Election,” Trump wrote in his book, “Save America.”
After Jan. 6, 2021, Meta suspended Trump from its platforms for two years. A year into his suspension, Trump launched Truth Social. No longer just rich on real estate, Trump’s stake in Trump Media has doubled his net worth.
The president-elect’s fractured relationship with Instagram-owner Meta has also inspired him to flip the script on TikTok.
“If you get rid of TikTok, Facebook and Zuckerschmuck will double their business,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I don’t want Facebook, who cheated in the last Election, doing better. They are a true Enemy of the People!”
But that vitriol is starting to smooth out. In July 2024, Zuckerberg expressed admiration for Trump.
“On a personal note, seeing Donald Trump get up after getting shot in the face and pump his fist in the air with the American flag is one of the most badass things I’ve ever seen in my life,” Zuckerberg told Bloomberg. “On some level, as an American, it’s hard to not get kind of emotional about that spirit and that fight, and I think that that’s why a lot of people like the guy.”
Then in August 2024, Zuckerberg openly criticized Democrats.
“In 2021, the Biden Administration … repeatedly pressured our teams for months to censor certain COVID-19 content,” Zuckerberg said in written testimony to Congress. “Ultimately, it was our decision whether or not to take the content down … the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it.”
Zuckerberg isn’t the only one courting Trump’s favor. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who said his rocket company, Blue Origin, will one day be bigger than Amazon, has posted on X only twice in 2024. The first post came after the assassination attempt on Trump, to say the “former president showed tremendous grace and courage.” The second post came after the election, to congratulate Trump on his “extraordinary political comeback and decisive victory.”
“I’m actually very optimistic this time around,” Bezos told DealBook in December 2024 about Trump’s second term. “He seems to have a lot of energy around reducing regulation. And my point of view, if I can help him do that, I’m going to help him.”
The billionaire most involved in helping Trump with that is Bezos’ biggest competitor in the space race, Elon Musk.
