Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly living in fear of being jailed by US President Donald Trump, according to an extraordinary claim made by a leading political expert. The statement, citing a contact of Zuckerberg’s, has stirred significant attention following the tech mogul’s controversial decisions and his recent attendance at Trump’s inauguration. The claim emerged during a discussion on The Rest Is Politics podcast, hosted by former UK cabinet minister Rory Stewart, who revealed that Zuckerberg believes he could face charges under Trump’s administration.
The allegation comes in the wake of Zuckerberg’s decision to drop Facebook and Instagram fact-checkers, a move widely seen as an attempt to curry favor with the Trump-led White House. Stewart’s revelation painted a dramatic picture of intimidation and fear, suggesting that Zuckerberg is worried Trump and his allies might accuse him of conspiring with the Biden administration to rig the 2020 election. This fear reportedly stems from Trump’s narrative that the election was stolen, with Stewart speculating that such claims could be weaponized against the Meta boss.
Stewart, citing an insider familiar with Zuckerberg’s concerns, described how the Meta chief endured a humiliating experience at a Trump-hosted dinner. According to the insider, Zuckerberg was made to wait for hours before being granted a brief 90-second audience with Trump, only to be dismissed abruptly. This incident, Stewart suggested, exemplifies the bullying and intimidation tactics that create a climate of fear among business leaders.
The conversation, co-hosted by Stewart and former Trump aide Anthony Scaramucci, explored the reluctance of business leaders to openly oppose Trump’s policies. Scaramucci, who served briefly as White House Communications Director during Trump’s first term, noted that many executives privately express concerns about Trump but refrain from public dissent due to fear of repercussions. He shared anecdotes from the recent Davos World Economic Forum, where business leaders reportedly approached him to express gratitude for speaking out against Trump while admitting their inability to do the same.
Alastair Campbell, the former press chief to UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and a co-host of the podcast, criticized tech leaders like Zuckerberg and Elon Musk for their perceived efforts to align themselves with Trump. Campbell accused them of prioritizing their interests over democratic principles, stating that their behavior undermines their credibility and exposes a lack of integrity.
Stewart’s claim about Zuckerberg’s fears adds to the broader discussion about the state of American democracy and the perceived erosion of the rule of law. He argued that the justice system is meant to act as a safeguard against political retribution, but recent events have called its impartiality into question. Stewart pointed to Joe Biden’s controversial pardons before leaving office as an example of actions that have fueled mistrust in the legal system. These pardons, which included members of Biden’s family and close allies, have been criticized for giving the impression that the legal system cannot be trusted to deliver justice fairly.
Scaramucci, in his signature candid style, joked that Biden’s pardons might make him a higher-priority target for Trump. He also criticized the Democrats for their perceived lack of strategy, pointing out that they narrowly lost the last election but behave as though Trump’s victory was overwhelming. Scaramucci called on Democrats to step up their opposition, suggesting that their current approach leaves the impression of weakness.
The claim about Zuckerberg’s fear of prosecution under Trump highlights the uneasy relationship between Silicon Valley and political power. It underscores the challenges faced by business leaders navigating the volatile dynamics of modern American politics. While Meta has yet to respond to the allegations, the story has sparked a broader conversation about accountability, influence, and the role of big tech in the political arena.
These developments come at a time of heightened scrutiny of America’s institutions, with concerns about the balance of power, the integrity of the justice system, and the growing influence of tech giants. Whether or not Zuckerberg’s fears are well-founded, the claim sheds light on the fraught interplay between business, politics, and justice in the United States.
