This article was originally published by AgendaWeek.
Meta has significantly reshaped its board in 2025, appointing several directors with direct connections to Republican and Trump administrations, including high-profile figures like UFC President Dana White and former Trump deputy national security advisor Dina Powell McCormick. This shift comes as Meta faces heightened regulatory scrutiny, a landmark antitrust case, and fierce competition in artificial intelligence. The board changes are seen as a strategic response to the evolving political and business landscape, with the company ending its third-party fact-checking program and adopting a more open approach to political content. These moves have sparked discussion about Meta’s alignment with conservative interests and its efforts to better navigate the current U.S. regulatory environment. Despite these changes, Mark Zuckerberg’s majority voting power continues to give him ultimate control over company decisions.
This trend at Meta reflects a broader pattern among major West Coast tech firms, which are increasingly recruiting directors with government and regulatory experience to their boards. Craig Stevens, Managing Partner at Boyden, is quoted in the article, highlighting that Meta’s actions are a direct response to the strategic risks posed by the current political climate, mirroring practices long seen in industries like pharma and financial services. Stevens notes that Meta, like its peers, recognises the value of having board members with Washington experience to help manage policy risks and federal relations. While some experts argue that political ties may not directly impact boardroom decisions, the perception of increased influence and the ability to navigate federal challenges are seen as valuable assets for companies operating in today’s complex regulatory landscape.
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