Dana White’s Surprising Move to Meta: What Does This Mean?

Meta appoints UFC’s Dana White to its board, signaling a potential shift in the tech giant’s approach to politics and media.

At a Glance

Meta adds three new members to its board, including UFC CEO Dana White.
White’s appointment comes two weeks before Trump’s inauguration.
The move suggests Meta’s efforts to build relationships with the incoming Trump administration.
White brings expertise in entertainment and sports enterprise to Meta’s board.
Meta expands its board from 10 to 13 members with these new appointments.

Meta’s Board Expansion: A Strategic Move

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has made a significant move by appointing three new members to its board of directors. Among them is Dana White, the president and CEO of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), whose addition has sparked interest due to his connections with former President Donald Trump. This appointment, along with those of John Elkann and Charlie Songhurst, expands Meta’s board from 10 to 13 members, potentially reshaping the company’s strategic direction.

Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s CEO, praised White’s entrepreneurial skills and his success in building UFC into a major sports enterprise. Zuckerberg stated, “I’ve admired him as an entrepreneur and his ability to build such a beloved brand.” This appreciation for White’s business acumen suggests that Meta is looking to leverage his experience in entertainment and brand building.

Dana White, UFC CEO and Trump ally, to join Meta's board of directors https://t.co/WPknlrDyR0

— Insider Tech (@TechInsider) January 6, 2025

Political Implications of White’s Appointment

White’s relationship with Trump, which began in 2001, adds a political dimension to his appointment. He has been a speaker at Republican conventions in 2016, 2020, and 2024, demonstrating his active involvement in conservative politics. This connection has led to speculation about Meta’s intentions regarding its relationship with the incoming Trump administration.

White’s appointment comes at a time when Silicon Valley companies are seeking to engage with the new administration. Meta, along with other tech giants like Amazon and OpenAI, have donated to Trump’s inauguration fund. This move, coupled with White’s board appointment, suggests a strategic effort by Meta to build bridges with the incoming administration.

Meta’s Evolving Relationship with Trump

The appointment of White also comes amid a thawing of relations between Meta and Trump. Following Trump’s ban from Facebook and Instagram after the January 2021 Capitol riot, there has been a gradual shift in their relationship. Trump, who had previously criticized Zuckerberg, has softened his stance, acknowledging a personal phone call from the Meta CEO.

“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” – Mr. Zuckerberg

This shift in dynamics between Meta and Trump, coupled with White’s appointment, indicates a potential realignment of Meta’s approach to political relationships and content moderation policies. It remains to be seen how this will impact the platform’s handling of political content and its role in the upcoming election cycle.

Looking Ahead: Meta’s Future Direction

The addition of White, along with John Elkann and Charlie Songhurst, brings diverse expertise to Meta’s board. Elkann, as CEO of Exor and chairman of Stellantis and Ferrari, brings international business experience. Songhurst, a former Microsoft employee, has been advising Meta on artificial intelligence. This combination of skills aligns with Zuckerberg’s vision for Meta’s future, focusing on AI, wearables, and human connection.

“I’ve never been interested in joining a board of directors until I got the offer to join Meta’s board. I am a huge believer that social media and AI are the future” – White

As Meta navigates the complex landscape of technology, media, and politics, these new board appointments signal a strategic shift. The company appears to be positioning itself to leverage diverse expertise while potentially improving its standing with the incoming administration. The impact of these changes on Meta’s policies, products, and political relationships will be closely watched in the coming months.