Mark Zuckerberg ‘asked to leave' Donald Trump's Oval Office meeting about F-47 fighter jet, White House responds

Time of India

3 days ago

Mark Zuckerberg 'asked to leave' Donald Trump's Oval Office meeting about F-47 fighter jet, White House responds
An incident involving Meta CEO
Mark Zuckerberg
and the Trump
White House
has drawn renewed public attention amid ongoing concerns about Big Tech's proximity to political power. In early 2025, reports surfaced claiming that Zuckerberg was asked to leave the Oval Office after entering an official meeting concerning the F-47 stealth fighter jet. The original story, first published by NBC News and based on anonymous sources, painted a picture of a surprising and potentially inappropriate entry into a high-security discussion. However, the White House has since publicly disputed the account, stating that Zuckerberg was not asked to leave but briefly entered at the President's request before exiting to await a scheduled meeting.
This conflicting narrative has not only raised questions about Oval Office security protocols under President
Donald Trump
's leadership but also intensified scrutiny of Zuckerberg's relationship with the Trump administration. With Meta making several decisions perceived as aligning with conservative interests, the incident adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate about the political influence of technology executives.
Mark Zuckerberg's Oval Office visit sparks security concerns
NBC News reported in early July 2025 that Mark Zuckerberg unexpectedly entered the Oval Office during a meeting focused on the US Air Force's F-47 stealth fighter jet. According to two unnamed individuals familiar with the meeting, the Meta CEO's entry caused immediate concern among senior military officials, given the sensitive nature of the discussion and Zuckerberg's apparent lack of appropriate security clearance.
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The sources stated that White House staff requested Zuckerberg step outside, citing the confidential status of the discussion taking place between President Trump and military leaders. One individual present reportedly described the moment as 'bizarro world,' highlighting the informal and, at times, unpredictable atmosphere within the Trump-era White House.
No official documentation has emerged verifying the specific timing or agenda of the meeting. However, the suggestion that a civilian tech executive could gain access to a classified military meeting—deliberately or otherwise—has fueled wider debate around visitor protocols and national security practices in the Oval Office.
The White House Response: 'He was not asked to leave'
Following widespread media coverage, a senior White House official issued a public statement rejecting NBC's version of events. According to this source, Zuckerberg was not asked to leave the meeting but merely 'popped in to say hello at the president's request' before stepping out to wait for his scheduled appointment with Trump. The official noted that Zuckerberg's meeting with the President was prearranged and set to occur immediately after the session with military personnel and pilots had concluded.
This version directly contradicts the implication that Zuckerberg's presence caused alarm or disruption. The White House has emphasised that the characterisation of the event as a security breach or accidental intrusion was inaccurate and misleading.
Meta has declined to comment on the matter, providing no confirmation or denial of either narrative.
Zuckerberg controversy sparks review of White House security norms
Regardless of which account is accurate, the incident has reignited interest in the management style of the Trump White House. According to insiders and past reporting, the Oval Office during Trump's presidency has been known for its fast-paced, unstructured environment. Aides, cabinet members, and advisers frequently moved in and out of meetings without rigid schedules, a dynamic President Trump reportedly referred to as 'Grand Central Terminal.'
The F-47 meeting, in this context, serves as a case study in the potential challenges such informality presents, especially when sensitive defence matters are involved. Critics argue that unregulated access to classified discussions increases the risk of information leaks or inadvertent breaches, while supporters of the administration view it as a reflection of Trump's unorthodox but decisive leadership style.
Beyond the event itself, Zuckerberg's presence at the White House underscores a broader transformation in his political strategy. Historically associated with liberal causes and Democratic fundraising, Zuckerberg has in recent years made visible efforts to build stronger ties with conservative factions and the Trump movement.
In January 2025, Zuckerberg was seen attending President Trump's inauguration, seated alongside other major tech executives. Observers noted the symbolism of his placement, suggesting it signalled a closer working relationship with the new administration.
Meta's corporate decisions under Zuckerberg have mirrored this shift. The company halted its third-party fact-checking program, which had drawn criticism from conservative commentators and politicians who claimed it suppressed right-leaning content. In addition, Meta appointed Dana White, President of the UFC and a close Trump associate, to its board of directors.
Reports also indicate that Meta contributed $1 million to Trump's 2025 inaugural fund, marking the first time the company has made such a political donation. These moves, taken collectively, have led many to conclude that Zuckerberg is recalibrating Meta's public posture to better align with Republican leadership.
Public backlash and trust issues
Despite these efforts, Zuckerberg continues to face scepticism from both sides of the political spectrum. A poll conducted by the Tech Oversight Project and Public Policy Polling found that 63% of Trump voters held an unfavourable view of the Meta CEO, making him the least popular Big Tech executive among that demographic.
Critics argue that his political repositioning appears calculated rather than genuine, while advocates suggest it reflects a pragmatic shift to maintain influence under a new administration. The polling data indicates that, regardless of intent, Zuckerberg's outreach efforts have yet to meaningfully improve his standing with conservative voters.
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