Nick Clegg Steps Down from Meta as Trump’s Return Looms: A Political Shift in Silicon Valley

Sir Nick Clegg, the former UK Deputy Prime Minister and current president of global affairs at Meta, has announced his resignation after nearly seven years with the company. He intends to hand over his responsibilities to Joel Kaplan, his Republican deputy known for his connections with the GOP, all in the backdrop of Donald Trump’s imminent return to the White House. Clegg’s departure is interpreted as symbolic of a broader political shift, especially given the tension between Trump and social media, particularly following Trump’s suspension from Facebook and Instagram.

During his tenure, Clegg played a significant role in improving Meta’s relationships with governments and regulators, especially as social media faces increasing scrutiny. He was pivotal in establishing Meta’s Oversight Board, responsible for content moderation decisions. Despite recent criticisms about fair treatment on the platform, he expressed pride in navigating the intersection of tech and politics. Clegg’s move towards new ventures coincides with a thawing of relations between Trump and Zuckerberg, illustrated by their recent social engagements, suggesting potential shifts in the political landscape affecting tech companies.