As detailed in journalist Jonathan Karl’s new book, Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America, Zuckerberg reached out to Bondi for advice on how to “effectively speak” to the president about Meta’s growing concerns. The discussion came at a pivotal time for the tech giant, which was on the verge of facing a major federal antitrust case.

Per The New York Post, neither Meta nor the Justice Department commented on the meeting. The timing, however, raises eyebrows: just weeks after the encounter, the Federal Trade Commission launched its long-awaited antitrust trial against Meta. The case, originally filed during Trump’s first term, accuses the company of engaging in monopolistic practices by acquiring emerging rivals like Instagram and WhatsApp to stifle competition in the social media industry.

Read more: Meta and TikTok Accused by EU of Failing to Provide Adequate Data Access

A ruling has yet to be issued on whether Meta violated antitrust laws, but the lawsuit represents one of the most significant regulatory threats in the company’s history. The potential outcome could force Zuckerberg to break apart his digital empire — a move that would dramatically reshape the social media landscape.

According to The New York Post, Zuckerberg has maintained a visible presence in Washington since Trump’s political resurgence, frequently attending White House events alongside other technology executives. These appearances, part of what some view as a charm offensive, come as Meta continues to face growing scrutiny from both U.S. and European regulators over its market dominance and data practices.

Source: The New York Post