Steve Bannon the former adviser to President-elect Donald Trump, has ignited a storm of controversy after publicly accusing Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg of criminal behavior during an appearance on ABC’s This Week with Jonathan Karl. Bannon’s remarks, made in the context of Zuckerberg’s connections with Trump and his participation in the upcoming inauguration, have further fueled debates surrounding the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election and Zuckerberg’s role in it.
Bannon’s Criticism of Zuckerberg
The conversation began with Bannon addressing Zuckerberg and other tech leaders’ involvement with Trump and their upcoming roles in his inauguration. Bannon claimed that Trump had successfully “broken the oligarchs,” leading them to “surrender.” This statement was directed at powerful figures in the tech industry, who had initially distanced themselves from Trump.
However, when asked about Zuckerberg’s apparent shift in stance, Bannon vehemently denied its authenticity. “Absolutely not,” Bannon responded, directly labeling Zuckerberg as a “criminal.”
Bannon’s accusation stems from the financial contributions Zuckerberg made to a nonprofit organization that provided funds to local election boards during the 2020 presidential election. The initiative, which Zuckerberg described as “non-partisan,” came under fire from Republicans, who argued that the funds were allocated in a manner that disproportionately benefited left-leaning regions.
“Zuckerbucks” and Legal Scrutiny
Bannon’s repeated reference to the term “Zuckerbucks” encapsulates the controversy surrounding Zuckerberg’s donations. Republicans have long criticized the funds, suggesting that they played a role in influencing the outcome of the election. Bannon, echoing these concerns, expressed his desire for legal scrutiny of Zuckerberg’s actions. He called for an investigation either by the House of Representatives or, preferably, through the establishment of a grand jury and a special prosecutor.
“I want to see that in a systematic adjudication either in the House or, I think, better with a grand jury and a special prosecutor to go through 2020,” Bannon stated, emphasizing his belief that the issue should be thoroughly investigated.
Bannon’s Call for Investigation
Despite the intensity of his remarks, Bannon clarified that he was not urging the Justice Department under Trump to pursue charges against Zuckerberg directly. Instead, he called for the House to conduct an investigation into the matter first. Should the House fail to act, Bannon suggested the need for a special counsel to conduct a serious and impartial review of the 2020 election.
“If there’s nothing there, there’s nothing there,” Bannon added, indicating that he is open to the possibility that no evidence would be found to support his accusations.
Skepticism Over Zuckerberg’s Loyalty
Bannon’s skepticism toward Zuckerberg’s loyalty has been a recurring theme in his commentary. He expressed doubts about Zuckerberg’s long-term allegiance, stating that Zuckerberg would “flip on us in the second” if it served his interests.
In line with previous criticisms, Bannon reiterated that Zuckerberg “can’t be trusted” and continued to promote the baseless claim that the 2020 election was rigged. Bannon’s remarks underscore the continued tension between Trump allies and tech industry leaders, particularly those who have been accused of bias during the election cycle.
Zuckerberg’s Recent Actions
Bannon’s criticisms come on the heels of news that Zuckerberg will host a black-tie event on January 20 following Trump’s inauguration. This marks a continuation of Zuckerberg’s apparent shift toward Trump, as he has recently been seen at Mar-a-Lago for meetings with the former president. Zuckerberg also made a $1 million contribution to Trump’s inaugural fund and announced the discontinuation of Meta’s fact-checking initiative, actions that have raised eyebrows among critics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Steve Bannon call Mark Zuckerberg a criminal?
Bannon’s accusation stems from Zuckerberg’s financial contributions to a nonprofit that supported election boards during the 2020 election. Bannon and other Republicans argue that the funds disproportionately benefited left-leaning areas, influencing the election outcome.
What is “Zuckerbucks”?
“Zuckerbucks” refers to the term used by Republicans to describe the financial donations made by Mark Zuckerberg to nonprofit organizations that funded local election boards during the 2020 election.
Is Bannon calling for Zuckerberg to be charged?
Bannon clarified that he is not calling for direct action by the Justice Department. Instead, he advocates for the House to investigate the matter or, if needed, for a special prosecutor to review the situation.
What is Zuckerberg’s current relationship with Donald Trump?
Zuckerberg has recently been seen attending meetings with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, making a significant donation to Trump’s inaugural fund, and hosting an event following the inauguration, which has led to speculation about his political alignment.
Conclusion
Steve Bannon’s accusations against Mark Zuckerberg have intensified the ongoing debate about the 2020 election and the role of tech leaders in shaping its outcome. While Bannon calls for a thorough investigation, the future of Zuckerberg’s relationship with Trump remains a focal point, particularly as the Meta CEO becomes more involved with Trump’s post-presidential activities. Whether these claims lead to legal or political ramifications remains to be seen, but it is clear that tensions between Silicon Valley and Trump’s allies are far from resolved.