Trump Says Zuckerberg Called Him After Assassination Attempt and Told Him He Wouldn't Endorse a Democrat
In a surprising revelation that blends elements of political drama and corporate accountability, former President Donald Trump disclosed in a recent interview with Fox News that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg reached out to him following an alleged assassination attempt. During this conversation, Trump claims that Zuckerberg expressed his inability to endorse a Democrat in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, a move that underscores the complex dynamics between technology companies and politics.
The Context of the Conversation
In his interview with Fox News' Maria Bartiromo, which aired on Friday, Trump detailed the nature of his recent discussions with Zuckerberg, highlighting the significance of timing and events surrounding his controversial political journey. He explained that Zuckerberg called him multiple times, offering a mix of accolades and apologies. "So Mark Zuckerberg called me. First of all, he called me a few times. He called me after the event and he said, 'That was really amazing, it was very brave,'" Trump recounted.
Trump's assertion connects Zuckerberg's personal opinion of him to the broader political landscape. As a significant figure in tech and media, Zuckerberg's endorsement—or lack thereof—could hold weight among voters. Trump underlined that Zuckerberg's statement about not endorsing a Democrat stems from respect for Trump’s actions following the assassination attempt, which has not only infused a personal relationship but also appears to place Zuckerberg on Trump's side in this polarizing political environment.
Apology Over Content Censorship
An intriguing part of their dialogue also involved an apology from Zuckerberg regarding Meta's controversial censorship of a photograph of Trump that was taken in the aftermath of the assassination attempt on July 13. Trump claimed that during their conversations, Zuckerberg expressed regret for how the situation was handled.
Dani Lever, a spokesperson for Meta, later acknowledged that the censorship was a mistake, clarifying that a fact check applied to a doctored image incorrectly covered the authentic photo of Trump. "This was an error," Lever explained in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter). This admission marks a rare instance of a major tech platform acknowledging a slip-up regarding political content, which speaks volumes about the sensitive dance between social media guidelines and political narratives.
Zuckerberg’s Position on Endorsements
Despite Trump’s claims, a representative for Meta declined to confirm the specific details of the conversations, although they did not dispute that talks had occurred. The spokesperson pointed back to Zuckerberg's prior statement indicating he would not be endorsing any presidential candidates this election cycle—a pattern that has continued since he refrained from backing any candidates in the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Zuckerberg's neutrality in endorsements may aim to distance the tech giant from the contentious political debates, yet it raises questions about the tremendous power tech leaders wield in shaping political discourse and public perception.
Google and Allegations of Censorship
Trump's concerns are not isolated to Meta. He has voiced frustrations with Google's handling of content related to the assassination attempt. He claimed that when users searched for "assassination attempt," his name did not auto-populate, suggesting that this oversight was part of a deliberate effort to suppress information about him. During the interview, Trump expressed his disappointment that Google had not reached out to him for an apology.
"Google has been very bad," Trump told Bartiromo, departing from his praise of Zuckerberg and instead lashing out at the search engine for what he perceives as irresponsible behavior. He warned of potential consequences for Google, hinting that Congress might take action against the company, saying, "Google has to be careful."
In response to Trump's accusations, Google defended its operations, explaining that its internal systems related to political violence safeguards were not functioning correctly, resulting in the omission of pertinent queries about the assassination attempt.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Political-Tech Relations
Trump's revelations highlight a significant moment in the evolving narrative between political figures and technology leaders. As the 2024 election approaches, the implications of Zuckerberg's and Google’s actions may play into broader themes of online influence, narrative control, and voter engagement. The dynamics at play underscore the delicate balance of maintaining transparency while navigating the massive power and responsibility tech companies have in shaping political discourse.
As the election season heats up, the relationship between these controversial figures and the potential intertwining of their interests will likely continue to dominate headlines, reminding us all that in today's world, the lines between technology, politics, and personal relationships are increasingly complex.