Donald Trump warned Facebook and Instagram CEO Mark Zuckerberg that he could face life in prison if he committed any illegal acts during the 2024 election

In his forthcoming book Save America, former President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, accusing him of undermining the 2020 presidential election and warning of potential legal consequences if similar actions occur in the 2024 election. The book, set for release on September 3, highlights Trump’s grievances against Zuckerberg and Meta's handling of election-related issues.

Trump Threatens Legal Action Against Zuckerberg Over 2024 Election Conduct Amidst Ongoing Criticism

Trump, 78, expresses his displeasure over Zuckerberg's actions during the 2020 election, asserting that if Zuckerberg or others engage in illegal activities during the 2024 presidential race, they could face life imprisonment. “We are watching him closely,” Trump writes, according to a preview obtained by Politico.

This latest critique is part of a broader pattern of Trump’s antagonism towards Zuckerberg and Meta. Earlier this year, Trump diverged from his party’s stance by supporting TikTok and criticising Meta, suggesting that a ban on TikTok would only benefit Facebook and Zuckerberg’s business. His comments were partly influenced by lobbying from GOP donor Jeff Yass, as previously reported.

Trump’s ire was also evident in a Truth Social post last month, where he accused election fraudsters of unprecedented levels of wrongdoing and threatened long prison sentences. He specifically referred to Zuckerberg’s financial contributions to election administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, nicknaming them “Zuckerbucks.” This term refers to the approximately $420 million donated by Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan to assist state and local governments with election processes.

Zuckerberg has since stated that he does not plan to make similar contributions ahead of the November 2024 election, maintaining that his goal was to remain neutral and avoid any appearance of bias. He addressed concerns about his previous donations, explaining that while he believed the funding was nonpartisan, he understood some perceived it as beneficial to one party.

Zuckerberg Acknowledges Regret Over Meta's Content Decisions Amidst Criticism and Government Pressure

The criticism of Meta extends beyond Zuckerberg’s donations. Republicans have scrutinised Meta for its role in suppressing a New York Post story about Hunter Biden’s laptop and for allegedly coordinating with the administration to limit certain COVID-19 content. Zuckerberg has expressed regret over some of Meta’s decisions, acknowledging that some choices made under government pressure were flawed.

In a recent letter to Rep. Jim Jordan, Zuckerberg admitted to some regret and pledged that Meta would push back against any future government pressure to compromise its content standards.

Read more: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Expresses Regret Over Yielding to White House’s COVID-19 Censorship Demands

Trump Criticises Meta's Ban and Intensifies Presence on X and Truth Social

Meta’s decision to ban Trump from Facebook and Instagram following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot has been a focal point of his criticism. Trump was reinstated on these platforms early last year, but during his suspension, he launched his own social media platform, Truth Social, where he has been vocal about his grievances.

Trump has also increased his activity on X, formerly known as Twitter. In Save America, he recounts his interactions with Zuckerberg, portraying him as a duplicitous figure who outwardly appeared friendly while allegedly plotting against him.

Conclusion

Trump’s book and recent comments reflect his ongoing conflict with Zuckerberg and Meta, focusing on perceived injustices related to election interference and content management. As the 2024 election approaches, these issues are likely to remain a significant aspect of Trump’s public discourse and legal strategy.