Meta has started 2025 with a significant leadership shift, appointing Joel Kaplan as its new President of Global Affairs, replacing Nick Clegg. This move comes as the social media giant navigates its relationship with the incoming Trump administration. With over 3 billion users worldwide, Meta’s decisions have far-reaching implications, and Kaplan’s elevation signals a strategic recalibration.
Kaplan, who joined Meta in 2011, was previously the Vice President of Global Public Policy and head of its Washington, D.C., office. Before his tenure at Meta, he served as a White House aide under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. Known for his conservative views, Kaplan has been a prominent figure in the company, often representing a counterpoint to its predominantly liberal culture. His appointment reflects Meta’s effort to recalibrate its political positioning in the face of renewed Republican scrutiny.
Kaplan’s political and professional trajectory
Born in 1969 in Weston, Massachusetts, Kaplan grew up in a Democratic stronghold but shifted to the right during his Harvard years, disillusioned by campus protests against U.S. involvement in Kuwait. After serving as an Artillery Officer in the Marine Corps, Kaplan returned to Harvard for law school, where he excelled academically. His early career included a judicial clerkship in Washington, D.C., where he formed a lifelong bond with Brett Kavanaugh, later leveraging his lobbying expertise to support Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court nomination in 2018.
Kaplan’s conservative credentials and Washington savvy have long distinguished him within Meta. While his libertarian approach has often clashed with the company’s liberal ethos, it has also made him a critical figure in maintaining relations with right-leaning stakeholders. His work has included amplifying conservative voices on Meta’s platforms and navigating contentious issues like Trump’s temporary ban from Facebook and Instagram following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots.
A controversial career at Meta
Kaplan’s influence at Meta has been both impactful and polarising. As policy chief, he has shaped algorithms that critics argue exploit societal divisions for engagement. His role in shelving the “Common Ground” initiative—intended to encourage constructive discourse—underscored his prioritisation of business interests over social responsibility. Internal documents have highlighted how divisive content drives user engagement, a reality Kaplan reportedly accepted as a commercial necessity.
In 2020, Kaplan defended Meta’s decision not to remove Trump’s controversial post about the Minneapolis riots, interpreting the statement as a neutral comment rather than incitement. This pragmatic, realpolitik approach has characterised much of Kaplan’s career, earning him both admiration and criticism.
Outside Meta, Kaplan has faced calls for resignation from civil rights groups and critics who accuse him of undermining democracy. His presence at Kavanaugh’s Senate hearing, seated just behind the embattled nominee, drew backlash and prompted him to apologise to Meta employees.
Strategic implications for Meta and Trump
Kaplan’s promotion comes at a pivotal moment as Meta seeks to reconcile its operations with a politically polarised environment. Trump, once banned from Meta’s platforms, was reinstated in early 2023, albeit with new restrictions to curb potential violations. Kaplan’s role in navigating these decisions highlights his importance as a bridge between Meta and conservative stakeholders.
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Observers suggest Kaplan’s appointment is less about internal reform and more about external positioning. By aligning with the Trump administration, Meta aims to neutralise a potential adversary in Trump, who has previously criticised the company for alleged anti-conservative bias.
The road ahead
Kaplan’s promotion is unlikely to result in drastic changes to Meta’s platforms, analysts say. Unlike Elon Musk’s controversial overhaul of X (formerly Twitter), Meta’s leadership remains committed to maintaining its bottom line. William Cooper, author of How America Works… And Why It Doesn’t, notes that Kaplan’s decade-long tenure under Mark Zuckerberg ensures continuity rather than disruption.
However, the symbolism of Kaplan’s ascent cannot be ignored. It signals Meta’s recognition of the political realities shaping its business and its intention to secure a foothold in an increasingly conservative political landscape.
As Kaplan assumes his new role, his blend of pragmatism, political acumen, and ideological consistency will be critical in shaping Meta’s future. Whether this will enhance the company’s reputation or deepen its controversies remains to be seen, but Kaplan’s appointment underscores the complex interplay between technology, politics, and power in the modern era.
