Sir Nick Clegg, former deputy prime minister of the UK and current president of global affairs at Meta, has announced he will step down after nearly seven years with the company. His departure comes as Meta is facing mounting pressure in the lead-up to Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House in 2024.
In a post shared on Facebook, Clegg expressed immense gratitude for his time at Meta, acknowledging the significant role he played in navigating the company’s relationship with global politics and societal issues. During his tenure, Clegg was instrumental in the creation of Meta’s Oversight Board, which advises the company on content moderation and privacy policies. He also facilitated Meta’s engagements with policymakers and governments, especially during a time of heightened scrutiny on big tech companies.
Clegg’s resignation occurs just weeks before Trump’s possible return to office, adding a layer of significance to his decision. Relations between Trump and Meta have been rocky since Facebook and Instagram suspended his accounts in 2021, citing his inflammatory remarks related to the Capitol riots. Despite this, Trump and Meta’s founder Mark Zuckerberg have recently mended ties, even sharing a dinner at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Clegg’s departure is seen by analysts as a reflection of the changing political landscape in Washington, particularly with Trump’s return to prominence. He will be succeeded by Joel Kaplan, Meta’s current deputy, a Republican known for managing relations with conservatives. Kaplan’s appointment signals Meta’s efforts to navigate the increasingly polarized political environment in the U.S.
Clegg’s next steps remain unclear, but he expressed enthusiasm about moving on to new ventures, leaving behind a legacy of bridging the worlds of tech and politics.
