Eric Trump recounts friendly interaction with Mark Zuckerberg at inauguration on ‘Pod Force One’
Eric Trump, the 41‑year‑old son of former President Donald Trump, recently joined the podcast “Pod Force One.” In the episode, he talked about bumping into Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, at this year’s presidential inauguration. Trump said the meeting helped change his view of Zuckerberg, who had once been “a different person” back in 2020.
A surprising face‑to‑face
At the inaugural ceremony on January 20, 2025, Trump remembered spotting Zuckerberg sitting right behind him in the audience. He turned, shook Zuckerberg’s hand, and the founders exchange was “nice.” A few minutes later, at a lunch event in Statuary Hall, Zuckerberg approached Trump with a friendly “let’s go” gesture that left a strong impression. “I truly appreciate it,” Trump said. “I believe he was sincere the second time.”
From early tech‑tension to a new stance
Zuckerberg’s Facebook was one of the platforms that removed Trump’s account after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Critics accused Meta of favoring Democrats during the 2020 election, citing a $400 million political‑donation push. Trump’s new memoir, Under Siege, details how big tech, including Twitter and Facebook, tried to curtail the Trump family’s online presence.
In interview, Eric said he once “absolutely detested” Zuckerberg in 2020 because Facebook and other platforms were seen as suppressing conservative voices. “But 2024 changed everything. He’s a different person now,” he added. He also hinted that Zuckerberg’s recent focus on physical training – even mentioning jiu‑jitsu – might have influenced his shift.
The bigger picture
This interview fits into a larger conversation about tech companies, political speech, and the influence of social media on elections. With the 2024 campaign heating up, the relationship between the Trump family and big tech remains a hot topic. Eric’s comments suggest a possible thaw between the two sides, raising questions about future collaborations.
Key takeaways
- Eric Trump’s encounter with Mark Zuckerberg at the inauguration shows a personal shift in attitude.
- Zuckerberg’s Facebook banned Trump after the 2021 riot and invested heavily in 2020 Democratic campaigns.
- Trump’s memoir, Under Siege, says tech platforms tried to silence the family’s voice.
- The new dialogue may signal changing tactics from both the Trump team and Meta.
For more details, listeners can find the full episode on the “Pod Force One” podcast series.
Source: New York Post
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