Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META), the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, announced Monday the appointment of Ultimate Fighting Championship President Dana White to its board of directors. The move has sparked widespread debate, given White’s lack of tech industry experience and his well-documented ties to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
The appointment, which also includes former Microsoft executive Charlie Songhurst and Exor CEO John Elkann, expands Meta’s board to 13 members as the company intensifies its focus on artificial intelligence, wearable technologies, and repairing strained relationships with the political right.
White, best known for transforming the UFC into a global sports and entertainment powerhouse, has a reputation as a brash and controversial leader. Over his two-decade tenure at UFC, White turned the organization into a multibillion-dollar juggernaut. However, his resume lacks any direct experience in the technology or social media sectors.
“I’ve never been interested in joining a board of directors until I got the offer to join Meta’s board,” White said in a statement. “I am a huge believer that social media and AI are the future.”
White’s appointment is widely seen as part of a broader strategy by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to strengthen ties with the incoming Trump administration, particularly as the company faces accusations from conservatives of suppressing right-wing voices.
Toward Trump’s Circle
The decision to bring White onto the board is the latest in a series of moves by Meta to align itself more closely with Trump and his allies. Last week, the company named Republican stalwart Joel Kaplan as its head of global affairs, replacing Nick Clegg, a former British deputy prime minister. Meta also made a $1 million donation to Trump’s inauguration fund and has engaged in high-profile overtures to his administration, including Zuckerberg dining with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November.
Zuckerberg’s relationship with Trump has been complicated. While Trump’s 2016 campaign benefited significantly from Facebook’s targeted advertising capabilities, the platform suspended Trump’s accounts following the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Trump’s accounts were reinstated in 2023, but the political fallout has left a lasting divide.
White’s addition to Meta’s board has raised eyebrows among industry experts and critics who question his lack of expertise in technology or AI. His controversial public persona—marked by outspoken comments, clashes with fighters, and unwavering loyalty to Trump—has also drawn scrutiny.
White has long been a vocal supporter of Trump, even speaking at the Republican National Convention during Trump’s 2020 campaign. Their relationship dates back decades, with Trump providing venues for UFC events when the organization struggled for mainstream acceptance.
Critics have also raised concerns about Meta’s increasing entanglement with political agendas. By appointing a Trump ally to its board, the company risks further polarizing public opinion at a time when Big Tech is under intense scrutiny from both sides of the aisle.
Meta’s Reputation
Zuckerberg framed the new appointments as part of Meta’s strategic push toward the future of technology. “Dana, John, and Charlie will add a depth of expertise and perspective that will help us tackle the massive opportunities ahead with AI, wearables, and the future of human connection,” he said in a statement.
Elkann, a scion of Italy’s Agnelli family and chairman of Stellantis and Ferrari, brings extensive experience in global business and investment. Songhurst, a former Microsoft executive, is a seasoned technology strategist. In contrast, White’s qualifications appear tailored more toward political signaling than technical acumen.
Meta’s decision to appoint White underscores the growing intersection between politics and corporate governance. As the company navigates a challenging landscape—including regulatory scrutiny, privacy concerns, and fierce competition in AI—its alignment with the Trump administration represents both an opportunity and a risk.
For White, the appointment marks a new chapter in an already storied career. For Meta, it is a calculated gamble that may bolster its standing with conservative America but risks alienating other stakeholders who expect expertise and neutrality from its leadership.
White is expected to earn a minimum $50,000 retainer for his new position on Meta’s board of directors, based on previous company filings.
Information for this story was found via USA Today, The Independent, Techxplore, Sportico, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
