Meta's relationship with former President Trump takes a dramatic turn as the company agrees to a significant settlement while simultaneously implementing major organizational changes. These developments mark a notable shift in Meta's corporate strategy and policy direction under the new U.S. administration.
Settlement Agreement Details
Meta has reached a USD 25 million settlement agreement with former President Trump to resolve the lawsuit stemming from his account suspensions on Facebook and Instagram following the January 6 Capitol events. The majority of the settlement funds will be directed toward Trump's future presidential library, as confirmed by Meta spokesperson Dani Lever.
Settlement Amount: USD 25 million
Strategic Policy Shifts
Meta has begun dismantling its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, citing a changing legal and policy landscape. The company has modified its SEC filings, removing specific references to DEI-related learning programs and demographic statistics while emphasizing a new focus on cognitive diversity and inclusive workplace initiatives.
Internal Changes and Employee Response
The company's HR vice president, Janelle Gale, announced the elimination of programs designed to ensure fair consideration of candidates from underrepresented groups. The changes have sparked internal discussions and concern among employees, with some reporting minimal immediate impact while others view it as a significant departure from previous commitments.
Corporate Growth and User Base
Despite these organizational changes, Meta continues to show strong performance metrics. The company reports a 5% growth in daily active users, reaching 3.35 billion in 2024, while sales increased by 22% to exceed USD 164 billion. The company's global workforce has grown by 10% to approximately 74,000 employees.
Employee Count: 74,000 (10% YoY increase)
Leadership Perspective
CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed optimism about working with the new administration, praising its support for American technology companies. This alignment represents a significant shift from previous tensions between Meta's leadership and political figures, suggesting a new era in the company's relationship with government authorities.
Historical Context
The changes follow a broader pattern of corporate adjustments that began with Sheryl Sandberg's departure in 2022 and subsequent organizational restructuring. These modifications represent a substantial pivot from Meta's previous strong emphasis on diversity initiatives that were accelerated following the events of 2020.