Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is undergoing a significant transformation under the leadership of CEO Mark Zuckerberg. This evolution includes a noticeable shift in political alignment, relaxed content moderation policies, major structural changes, and an intensifying rivalry with Apple. These moves are reshaping the company’s identity and influencing the tech industry at large.

In January 2025, Zuckerberg made a strong commitment to “free expression,” framing it as a stand against global regulations that he believes unfairly target American tech companies. This stance aligns with former President Donald Trump’s long-standing criticism of Big Tech for allegedly suppressing free speech. The shift has sparked internal tensions, with reports of employees facing repercussions for expressing concerns. Some have even had their internal comments censored, while outspoken critics risk negative performance reviews.

A major turning point came on February 6, 2025, when Zuckerberg met with President Trump at the White House. Officially, the meeting focused on “defending and advancing American tech leadership abroad,” but many within Meta saw it as further evidence of the company’s growing alignment with Trump’s policies.

This political realignment coincides with structural shifts within Meta. One key decision was the dismantling of the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs, reflecting a broader trend of corporate resistance to what some leaders describe as “woke policies.” Additionally, Meta has eliminated third-party fact-checking services in favor of a “Community Notes” system. Critics argue this change could pave the way for increased misinformation on the platform.

In January 2025, Meta announced layoffs affecting 5% of its workforce, marking another wave of job cuts after significant reductions in previous years. These layoffs notably included the dissolution of the Civic Integrity Group, which was responsible for election security and misinformation detection. The timing of this decision, as another election cycle approaches, raises concerns about the potential spread of unchecked falsehoods on the platform.

Alongside these structural changes, Meta’s leadership is also shifting. Joel Kaplan, a former aide to President George W. Bush, has assumed a key role in shaping the company’s policies. Other notable Republican figures, including former FCC Chairman Kevin Martin and former Trump legal adviser Jennifer Newstead, have also taken on prominent positions within Meta, signaling a clear shift in the company’s political leanings.

Beyond internal realignments, Meta is escalating its long-standing feud with Apple. Frustration with Apple’s App Store policies and privacy restrictions has been brewing since 2021, when new iOS privacy updates significantly impacted Meta’s advertising revenue. In a January 2025 interview, Zuckerberg criticized Apple’s business practices, accusing the company of enforcing arbitrary rules that unfairly burden competitors.

Meta has now taken legal action, filing an antitrust complaint in Brazil against Apple’s alleged prioritization of its native apps over competitors. At the same time, Zuckerberg appears to be leveraging his political connections to increase scrutiny on Apple’s operations within the United States.

These developments highlight a broader shift in Meta’s corporate and political strategy. The company’s closer alignment with Trump’s administration, major internal restructuring, and direct challenge to Apple suggest an aggressive repositioning in both business and policy.

Trump has voiced support for Meta’s changes, notably endorsing Joel Kaplan’s leadership in a FOX News interview. However, dissent within the company continues to grow, with employees raising concerns about freedom of expression and workplace culture.

For users, these shifts could mean a more permissive online environment with fewer restrictions on content. However, questions remain about the potential trade-offs, particularly regarding the spread of misinformation and the long-term implications for public discourse. As the tech industry braces for the 2024 election cycle, Meta’s evolving role will undoubtedly shape debates on free speech, corporate influence, and the future of digital communication.