Rise of 'MAGA Mark'? Why Meta employees 'horrified' as CEO Mark Zuckerberg ditches his T-shirts for luxury jackets, $900K watch
Meta employees are reportedly 'horrified' by CEO Mark Zuckerberg's support for the
Trump administration
and his new, more conservative avatar. As per a
Financial Times
report, the billionaire has reportedly undergone a political transformation that has left employees 'grieving' and feeling 'horror and betrayal.'
An Unsettling Shift in Workplace Culture
More than 40 current and former Meta employees, most of whom requested anonymity, reportedly shared their concerns with
FT
, painting a grim picture of the internal environment. The culture at Meta, once shaped by Zuckerberg's image as a casual, innovation-driven tech leader, is now seen as shifting toward a space that some insiders feel is more aggressive and ideologically rigid. These employees described the atmosphere as emotionally chaotic, with many staffers feeling alienated by the company's perceived new direction.
From Geek Icon to Conservative Symbol
Zuckerberg, once known for his low-profile fashion and engineering-centric public persona, is now being linked with
far-right media figures
and hyper-masculine influencers. He has built friendships with prominent names associated with the "manosphere"—a network of online voices that critique progressive values and emphasize traditional masculinity. UFC president Dana White and podcaster Joe Rogan are reportedly among Zuckerberg's close associates in this ideological space. The CEO's evolving personality has even earned him a satirical nickname among employees: 'MAGA Mark.'
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Recently, a video of Zuckerberg calling corporate culture in the US, "culturally neutered" and clamouring for more "masculine energy," in Rogan's podcast has gone viral.
Internal Pushback and Tense Exchanges
The unease reached a peak during a meeting where Zuckerberg's comments on a Rogan podcast were brought up. In the interview, he called for a boost in 'masculine energy' at the workplace—statements that drew criticism and jokes, including a comedian dubbing him the 'emperor of the Broman Empire.' When employees questioned this ideological turn, Zuckerberg allegedly responded with a brusque dismissal, indicating that dissenting opinions wouldn't be entertained.
A Dramatic Image Makeover
The
Financial Times
notes that Zuckerberg's outer transformation has mirrored his political one. He's reportedly traded his trademark plain grey T-shirts for flashier attire—luxurious shearling jackets, gold accessories, and even a high-end $900,000 Greubel Forsey timepiece. The tech mogul has also altered his appearance, reportedly replacing his clean-cut look with a vibrant, styled ginger mullet—an image widely circulated and commented upon in media outlets like The Daily Beast.
Possible Role in Trump's Inner Circle
Sources also revealed that there have been behind-the-scenes conversations about Zuckerberg potentially joining Trump's advisory panel on science and technology. A political insider told FT that at various functions, former President Donald Trump enjoys showcasing Zuckerberg, suggesting a deepening rapport.
Driven by Comparison with Elon Musk?
Some Meta staff believe the CEO's transformation may stem from professional rivalry. As Elon Musk continues to be celebrated as an audacious visionary in the tech community, Zuckerberg is reportedly striving to revamp his image to gain similar admiration. According to one insider, the social media magnate has long desired broader public approval—a need that may be influencing his current trajectory.
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