Former President Donald Trump has threatened life imprisonment for Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg if the Meta chief executive attempts to “plot against” him in the 2024 presidential campaign. In his forthcoming book, “Save America,” Trump declares that Zuckerberg will face severe legal consequences if he undermines his candidacy in the upcoming election.
Trump, who has long alleged—without evidence—that Zuckerberg played a role in swaying the 2020 presidential election in favor of Joe Biden, extends these accusations to the current electoral cycle.
According to an excerpt from Save America obtained by Politico, Trump asserts, “We are watching him closely, and if he does anything illegal this time he will spend the rest of his life in prison—along with others who cheat in the 2024 Presidential Election.”
The book, a high-priced coffee table publication set to be released on Tuesday, will retail for $99 for an unsigned copy, with signed editions priced at $400, as reported by Winning Team Publishing. An undated photo included in the book allegedly depicts a meeting between Trump and Zuckerberg at the White House, with a caption accusing Zuckerberg of conspiring against him despite maintaining a friendly demeanor.
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Trump’s claims reference Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan’s decision to contribute nearly $420 million to election infrastructure during the Covid-19 pandemic, which the couple said was aimed at facilitating voting access. Trump argues that Zuckerberg’s actions were part of a larger plot against him according to an excerpt first seen by Politico, despite the couple’s stated intention of supporting voter access.
The controversy has been fueled further by Zuckerberg’s recent letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan. In the letter, Zuckerberg expressed regret over Facebook’s response to government pressure to censor Covid-19 content in 2021. He acknowledged that some decisions made at the time might not align with current standards. The White House has defended its actions, stating that it merely encouraged responsible measures to protect public health.
Trump has seized upon Zuckerberg’s letter to allege broader election interference, including claims that Zuckerberg admitted Meta had temporarily demoted a New York Post story about Hunter Biden’s laptop in 2020. Trump has used these assertions to claim that the 2020 election was “rigged,” and has continued to target Zuckerberg in his social media posts.
In July, Trump warned of severe repercussions for “ELECTION FRAUDSTERS at levels never seen before, and they will be sent to prison for long periods of time”. He warned: “We already know who you are. DON’T DO IT! ZUCKERBUCKS, be careful!”
The escalating rhetoric underscores the ongoing tension between Trump and Zuckerberg as the 2024 election approaches.
