Meta Elevates Joel Kaplan as Chief Global Affairs Officer Amid Policy Shakeup

Meta Platforms has appointed Joel Kaplan, a prominent Republican and long-time executive, as its new Chief Global Affairs Officer, succeeding Nick Clegg. Kaplan, who joined Meta in 2011 after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy under President George W. Bush, has been a key figure in shaping the company’s political strategy. This leadership change comes ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, as Meta aims to repair strained relations with the incoming administration. Trump, who was previously banned from Meta’s platforms after the January 6 Capitol riots, had criticized the company for perceived biases against conservatives.

Nick Clegg, former British Deputy Prime Minister, announced his departure in a social media post, expressing confidence in Kaplan’s ability to navigate the evolving societal and political expectations around technology. Kaplan’s tenure at Meta has not been without controversy, as whistleblower documents and employee feedback have accused him of favoring conservative agendas while preaching political neutrality. Kaplan, however, called the leadership transition “bittersweet” and praised Clegg for his contributions, including the establishment of Meta’s independent oversight board.

Meta has also been making overtures to Trump, including a $1 million donation to his inaugural fund, signaling a shift from past practices. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has expressed regret over decisions that alienated conservatives and commended Trump’s responses to certain events. These efforts reflect Meta’s strategy to secure favorable relations with the new administration, addressing the contentious history of its content policies and its pivotal role in political discourse.

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