The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The person described as a longtime friend of President Donald Trump in the headline is Dana White, the UFC’s president and CEO. Meta lists White as a director whose tenure began in December 2024 and as a member of its Risk & Strategy Committee. The public record behind the Trump connection includes years of shared UFC appearances and White’s political-event appearances; it does not, on its own, establish the private nature of their relationship.
Who joined Meta’s board?
Dana White, the president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), joined Meta’s board. Meta’s board of directors listing identifies him as a director since December 2024 and a member of the Risk & Strategy Committee. The same listing says his leadership of the UFC began in 2001.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced White’s appointment in January 2025 alongside John Elkann, CEO of Exor, and technology investor Charlie Songhurst, according to the Associated Press. Zuckerberg’s stated praise focused on White’s business record: “I’ve admired him as an entrepreneur and his ability to build such a beloved brand.”
What is the connection between Dana White and Donald Trump?
The Associated Press reported that Trump and White’s ties date to 2001, when White hosted a UFC event at Trump’s former Trump Taj Mahal casino-hotel in Atlantic City. Trump later appeared with White at UFC events, especially during Trump’s 2024 campaign. White spoke at the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Republican conventions and at Trump’s 2024 election victory party.
#1 Best Overall
Those examples establish a visible public association, not the private depth or terms of a friendship. “Longtime friend” is a characterization of their relationship; readers should distinguish it from the specific public events reported.
Why did Meta add White?
Zuckerberg publicly praised White’s ability to build the UFC into a well-known business and brand. That is the stated rationale available in the appointment coverage. The Associated Press suggested the appointment could be seen as an effort to improve ties with Trump, but presented that as analysis—not as a reason Meta gave.
The AP also reported that Zuckerberg and White attended a UFC pay-per-view event at Madison Square Garden after the 2024 election. That shared appearance provides context, but does not establish Meta’s motive for selecting White.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Dana White the former Trump adviser who later led Meta?
No. Dana White is the UFC executive whose Meta board tenure began in December 2024. Dina Powell McCormick is a different person: Meta announced her election to its board effective April 15, 2025. In January 2026, Meta named Powell McCormick president and vice chairman; the Associated Press reported that she had resigned from the board in December 2025. Those later events concern Powell McCormick, not White.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Biography
- Binding: paperback
- Language: english
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
