Zuckerberg Blames Sheryl Sandberg for Inclusivity Initiative as Meta Reshapes Its Future

Zuckerberg distances Meta from DEI initiatives, signaling a shift towards tech-focused growth and political alignment with Trump’s team.

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Meta CEO takes aim at former COO in Mar-a-Lago meeting with Trump advisers, as company shifts focus and abandons DEI policies.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is reportedly shifting the company’s strategic direction by placing blame on his former COO, Sheryl Sandberg, for introducing controversial diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. During a November 2023 meeting at Mar-a-Lago with President-elect Donald Trump’s advisers, Zuckerberg expressed regret over what he described as Sandberg’s “inclusivity initiative,” which he claimed encouraged employees’ self-expression in the workplace. This comes as Zuckerberg makes sweeping changes at Meta, including laying off employees, ending third-party fact-checking programs, and eliminating DEI initiatives.

Zuckerberg’s comments align with Meta’s recent restructuring efforts under his leadership, with a focus on streamlining operations, cutting costs, and reducing content moderation. The company’s renewed approach emphasizes developing tech products rather than engaging in political or social advocacy. Following the meeting, Zuckerberg’s team informed Trump’s transition officials of the planned changes, signaling a shift in Meta’s priorities as Zuckerberg seeks to distance himself from prior management strategies.

Sandberg, who served as COO for 14 years, played a pivotal role in Meta’s business operations, including the growth of its advertising business. However, her departure in 2022 was marked by increasing tensions within the company, including disagreements over its pivot to the metaverse and challenges related to content moderation.

Despite her exit, her legacy and influence continue to play a significant role in the ongoing evolution of Meta’s corporate strategy.

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