Mark Zuckerberg’s recent changes at Meta mark a significant shift in his leadership style, which some say mirrors that of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. The company’s CEO has ditched third-party fact-checking and slashed diversity and inclusion initiatives, sparking both praise and criticism from the tech industry.
Zuckerberg’s transformation began years ago, with a makeover that included shedding his hoodie uniform for designer T-shirts and gold chains. His new swagger grew into boldness, as he took on more of a “business leader” persona. He became known for his jiu-jitsu competitions and appearances on popular podcasts, including Joe Rogan’s.
Now, Zuckerberg appears to be embracing some of the “anti-woke” ideas favored by Trump and Musk. His recent decision to cut Meta’s DEI initiatives could placate conservatives who have criticized such policies. However, this move has also sparked backlash among employees, with nearly 400 reacting with disappointment to the announcement.
The latest change, however, may be Zuckerberg’s most significant shift yet: ending third-party fact-checking on Meta platforms. Some conservatives have hailed this decision as a victory for free speech, while others warn that it could lead to hate speech and misinformation.
Zuckerberg claims that his decision was influenced by the recent elections and a desire to prioritize “speech.” However, critics argue that the move is more politically motivated than anything else. As Meta users can now say that LGBTQ+ individuals are mentally ill for being gay or transgender, dozens of fact-checking organizations have signed a letter calling the change “a step backward” for accurate information.
The decision has also sparked concerns among some in the tech industry, who worry about the implications of this shift on online discourse. Despite the criticism, Zuckerberg remains confident in his decision, saying he now has a clearer vision for Meta’s policies and that this is how it will go forward.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/mark-zuckerberg-new-identity-trump-elon-musk-fact-check-dei-2025-1