
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wants Americans to believe he is now a defender of free speech, but his past actions tell a different story. His latest public relations campaign is nothing more than an attempt to distance himself from Facebook’s history of silencing conservative voices and helping the Biden administration suppress dissent.
During a recent appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Zuckerberg claimed that Facebook resisted pressure from Biden officials to remove content that questioned the COVID-19 vaccine. He described government officials yelling at Facebook employees and demanding the removal of memes critical of the administration. Zuckerberg insisted that his company refused to take down content that was factually accurate.
However, evidence from the “Facebook Files,” released by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), exposes Zuckerberg’s claims as misleading. The internal communications reveal that Facebook often gave in to pressure from the Biden White House. Executives actively developed policies to target and suppress conservative viewpoints under the guise of combating “misinformation.”
Emails show that Biden’s Senior Adviser Andy Slavitt pushed Facebook to remove satirical memes about the vaccine. Instead of standing firm, Facebook executives discussed ways to increase censorship, including suppressing posts from critics like Tucker Carlson. These efforts directly contradicted Zuckerberg’s public statements about defending free speech.
Now, Zuckerberg is trying to win over conservatives with a new public image. His appearances in martial arts competitions and relaxed interviews are designed to make him seem relatable. Yet, this image overhaul cannot erase Facebook’s role in suppressing political opposition and controlling the flow of information.
Zuckerberg’s $450 million in funding for election-related operations during the 2020 race also raises questions about his political motivations. His actions have consistently aligned with the interests of the Democrat Party, leaving little reason to trust his sudden commitment to free expression.
Americans should remain cautious of Zuckerberg’s new persona. His company’s history of censorship and political bias cannot be undone by a few podcast appearances or a change in wardrobe.