Meta kills DEI programs in its latest appeal to Trump

Simone Del Rosario: Meta is ending its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs effective immediately in the company’s latest swing away from liberal causes. The company announced the policy change in an employee memo first reported by Axios. 

In that memo, human resources says, “The legal and policy landscape surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the United States is changing.” It adds, “The term ‘DEI’ has also become charged, in part because it is understood by some as a practice that suggests preferential treatment of some groups over others.”

The move comes just days after CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta would end third-party fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram in favor of what looks more like X’s “Community Notes.” He also announced plans for the platforms to loosen its hateful conduct policy. Conservatives are praising those decisions, but of course, the other side has its concerns. 

Mark Zuckerberg: The recent elections also feel like a cultural tipping point toward once again prioritizing speech. So we’re going to get back to our roots and focus on reducing mistakes simplifying our policies and restoring free expression on our platforms.

Simone Del Rosario: This was seen as another move in President-elect Donald Trump’s favor and Trump responded in kind. 

Donald Trump. Honestly, I think they’ve come a long way – Meta, Facebook – I think they’ve come a long way. 

Reporter: Do you think he is directly responding to the threats you’ve made to him in the past?

Donald Trump: Probably, yeah, probably. 

Simone Del Rosario: Trump has previously called Facebook “a true Enemy of the People” and threatened Zuckerberg with prison if he or his company tried to influence the election in any way. Since those comments, the two have made inroads, especially following the first assassination attempt on Trump. 

Mark Zuckerberg: On a personal note, it’s, seeing Donald Trump get up after getting shot in the face and pump his fist in the air with the American flag is one of the most badass things I’ve ever seen in my life. 

Simone Del Rosario: Meta also donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, something the company had not done for Trump’s first inauguration or President Joe Biden’s. 

The company recently promoted longtime Republican executive Joel Kaplan to lead global policy for Meta, replacing former deputy prime minister of Britain Nick Clegg, a member of the Liberal Democrats party.

Finally, Meta announced Ultimate Fighting Championship president and longtime Trump ally and friend Dana White is joining the board. For SAN, I’m SDR.