Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, is reportedly considering the purchase of property in Washington, DC, as part of the company’s efforts to influence US President Donald Trump’s tech policies. Sources indicate that a specific property has already been identified.
This potential acquisition reflects Zuckerberg’s desire to collaborate closely with the Trump administration, particularly in shaping regulations that impact Meta’s expansive social media business, which is valued at $1.7 trillion, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence.
Zuckerberg holds several properties in California and a compound in Hawaii. Should this purchase go through, he would be part of a growing network of technology leaders establishing a presence near the White House as the tech industry seeks to strengthen its ties with the new administration.
A spokesperson for Meta declined to comment on the matter.
As Zuckerberg aims to position Meta as a frontrunner in AI, he faces competition from firms like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft. Recently, he announced plans for significant investment in AI, potentially allocating between $60 billion and $65 billion for capital expenditures aimed at expanding workforce and erecting a massive new data center.
Despite Zuckerberg’s initiatives, Trump’s focus has largely been directed toward his competitors. Recently, he praised a new $500 billion AI infrastructure joint venture involving OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, terming it a strong affirmation of America’s potential under his leadership.
Zuckerberg has recently engaged in a concerted effort to appeal to Trump, who has previously criticized him over election interference and accused his platform of censorship. In a surprising move, Zuckerberg revamped Meta’s content moderation system in January, a change that was viewed favorably by Trump and his supporters. He further accused the prior Biden administration of pressuring Meta to censor pandemic-related content.
In additional efforts to align with Trump, Zuckerberg appointed Joel Kaplan, a Republican ally, to replace Meta’s former global policy chief, Nick Clegg, and added Dana White, a well-known figure and Trump associate, to Meta’s board.
Zuckerberg was also present at Trump’s inauguration alongside other tech leaders, indicating his strategic positioning within the new administration.
Experts have noted an increase in high-end property purchases in Washington, DC, attributed to what is being called the “Trump bump,” as executives believe that living in the capital may enhance their influence with the administration.
David Sacks, a venture capitalist who recently supported Trump’s campaign and was named his new crypto and AI advisor, has reportedly acquired a residence worth $10 million in the capital. Similarly, Elon Musk, who is involved with the Department of Government Efficiency, is also looking into investing in DC real estate, which has faced some local opposition.
The specifics of Musk’s role in the administration remain unclear, but Trump recently denied that Musk would receive an office in the White House.
photo credit: www.ft.com
