Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly lobbied former U.S. President Donald Trump in an effort to prevent an upcoming antitrust trial against the social media giant. According to sources familiar with the matter, Zuckerberg privately discussed regulatory concerns with Trump, seeking to mitigate potential legal actions that could break up Meta’s dominance in the tech industry.

The reported discussions come as Meta faces mounting scrutiny from U.S. regulators, who have accused the company of engaging in monopolistic practices. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have been investigating Meta’s acquisitions and market behavior, with the possibility of a high-profile antitrust case looming. If the lawsuit proceeds, it could have serious implications for Meta’s future operations and influence over the digital landscape.

Meta’s Legal Challenges and Regulatory Pressures

In recent years, Meta has been at the center of multiple regulatory battles, with critics arguing that its control over social media, messaging, and virtual reality platforms stifles competition. The FTC has previously attempted to force Meta to divest from Instagram and WhatsApp, arguing that the acquisitions eliminated key rivals and solidified Meta’s monopoly.

A major point of contention is Meta’s dominance in online advertising, where it competes primarily with Google. Lawmakers have accused the company of leveraging its vast troves of user data to eliminate competition and control digital marketing trends. If an antitrust case moves forward, Meta could be required to restructure its business model or face significant financial penalties.

“This is one of the most significant antitrust cases against Big Tech,” said legal analyst Rachel Green. “If successful, it could reshape the entire social media landscape by breaking up Meta’s stronghold.”

Sources indicate that Zuckerberg’s outreach to Trump is part of a broader strategy to rally political allies against the regulatory crackdown. The former president has been a vocal critic of Big Tech, often accusing companies like Meta of political bias and censorship. However, his position on Meta’s antitrust case remains unclear, as he has previously called for stronger regulations on the industry.

Political and Industry Reactions

The revelation of Zuckerberg’s lobbying efforts has sparked criticism from lawmakers and industry watchdogs, who argue that corporate influence over legal proceedings undermines fair competition. Some policymakers have called for stricter regulations to prevent tech executives from leveraging political connections to evade accountability.

“Allowing tech giants to lobby against regulations creates an unfair playing field,” said Senator Mark Reynolds, a vocal critic of Big Tech monopolies. “We need strong policies to ensure companies like Meta operate under fair competition laws.”

Meanwhile, industry analysts suggest that a ruling against Meta could set a precedent for future antitrust actions against other tech giants, including Google, Amazon, and Apple. If Meta is forced to divest from key acquisitions or change its business model, it could alter the competitive landscape of the digital economy.

Meta’s Response and Future Outlook

While Meta has not publicly commented on the reports of Zuckerberg’s lobbying efforts, the company has consistently denied allegations of anticompetitive behavior. Meta argues that its acquisitions and business strategies promote innovation, enhance user experience, and contribute to the growth of the digital economy.

Despite the growing legal pressure, Meta continues to expand its influence in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the metaverse. Industry experts believe that the outcome of this case will have lasting effects on Meta’s strategic direction, as well as on the regulatory framework governing tech monopolies.

As the antitrust battle unfolds, the tech industry, policymakers, and legal experts will closely watch the outcome of Meta’s legal challenges and how they could shape the future of digital competition. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.