Meta’s top policy executive, Nick Clegg, is stepping down just as Donald Trump is set to assume the presidency. His successor will be Joel Kaplan, a senior executive with strong ties to the Republican Party.

Clegg, who previously served as the UK’s deputy prime minister and joined Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2018, announced that the time had come for him to transition out of his role. He will remain with the company for a few months to help Kaplan take over. Clegg’s leadership, which began in 2022 as president of global affairs, helped Meta navigate various issues, including platform concerns and international crackdowns. His departure coincides with Zuckerberg’s efforts to improve relations with Trump’s incoming administration.

Kaplan, who joined Meta in 2011 after a long career in government, including as deputy chief of staff for policy in President George W. Bush’s White House, is known for his close connections to conservative politics. This appointment aligns with Meta's strategy to strengthen its position with the Republican-controlled White House and Congress.

Zuckerberg praised Clegg’s contributions and expressed enthusiasm about Kaplan’s promotion, citing his vast experience in shaping Meta’s policy strategy. Meanwhile, Kaplan's move signals Meta's intent to play a more active role in shaping tech policy discussions, especially as the political climate around technology continues to shift.

Meta has been navigating a complicated relationship with Trump and Republicans. In recent years, the company relaxed its content moderation policies, which has been well-received by conservatives who accused Meta of silencing their views. Zuckerberg’s ongoing outreach to the Trump camp could play a pivotal role in managing Meta’s future interactions with the incoming administration, especially on critical issues like regulation and antitrust matters.