In a recent interview with Fox News, former President Donald Trump shared surprising details about a phone call he received from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. This revelation came after an alleged assassination attempt on July 13th, where Trump was struck by a rifle round. The event not only showcased Trump’s resilience but also seemingly shifted Zuckerberg’s political stance.
During the interview with Maria Bartiromo, Trump spoke warmly about Zuckerberg’s call. According to Trump, Zuckerberg praised his bravery and announced that he would no longer support the Democratic Party. “So Mark Zuckerberg called me – first of all, he called me a few times. He called me after the event and said ‘that was really amazing, that was very brave,’” Trump recounted. This marks a significant shift for Zuckerberg, who has previously been criticized for his company’s handling of political content.
Zuckerberg’s apology and newfound respect for Trump contrast sharply with the stance of other tech giants like Google. Trump noted that while Facebook corrected its mistakes regarding censorship, Google has continued to act irresponsibly. He suggested that Google’s behavior might lead to serious consequences. “I have a feeling that Google’s going to be close to shut down, because I don’t think Congress is gonna take it,” he said.
???? BREAKING: Trump says Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg called him after the assassination attempt, said he isn’t going to support a Democrat and apologized for Facebook and Instagram censoring the iconic photos of him with his fist raised.
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 2, 2024
The relationship between Silicon Valley and political figures has always been contentious. Back in the 2016 elections, Facebook faced scrutiny over reports that Russian intelligence officials used the platform to spread disinformation. In response, Zuckerberg promised to curb false political rhetoric and restricted political advertising. Despite these efforts, the tech industry remains divided. While Zuckerberg and Elon Musk may tacitly support Trump, many in Silicon Valley continue to back liberal figures like Vice President Kamala Harris.
This division is further highlighted by recent actions from tech investors. Over 100 tech investors, including Reid Hoffman and Vinod Khosla, have pledged to fundraise and campaign for Harris. This puts Zuckerberg and Musk at odds with the majority of their industry peers, who align more closely with liberal values.
Trump’s recounting of the phone call with Zuckerberg not only sheds light on the evolving political dynamics within Silicon Valley but also underscores the ongoing battle over free speech and political influence in tech. As the 2024 election approaches, the alliances and endorsements from influential figures like Zuckerberg will undoubtedly shape the political landscape.
In conclusion, Trump’s revelation about his conversation with Zuckerberg highlights a significant moment in the intersection of politics and technology. The former president’s resilience and Zuckerberg’s unexpected support suggest a potential shift in Silicon Valley’s political leanings, setting the stage for a contentious and closely watched election season.