Meta has appointed Joel Kaplan, a former deputy chief of staff under George W. Bush and a companion of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, as the organization’s global policy chief—advancing one of the social media platform’s most notable Republicans at a time when Silicon Valley figures seek to forge stronger connections with the incoming Trump administration.
Nick Clegg, Meta’s president for global affairs, revealed in a public message on Facebook that he would resign in the upcoming year, confirming that Kaplan, who currently holds the role of vice president for global public policy, will succeed him.
“Joel is undoubtedly the right person for this role at this crucial moment—perfectly positioned to influence the company’s strategy as societal and political demands regarding technology continue to shift,” Clegg stated.
Agraduate of Harvard Law School and a veteran of the Marine Corps, Kaplan previously clerked for Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. He initially joined the company in 2011 to focus on Washington policy, as noted in a Wired profile from 2022.
However, Kaplan became embroiled in controversy when he was seen seated behind Kavanaugh during one of his confirmation hearings, openly supporting his fellow alumni from the Bush administration as Kavanaugh faced sexual assault allegations from Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.
Kaplan’s visible presence in support of his friend incited anger among numerous Facebook employees, leading to a town hall session arranged to address the situation.
“I have discussed with Joel why I believe it was unwise for him to attend in light of his position with the company,” former chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg mentioned in a private communication to staff.
Kaplan subsequently expressed remorse in a message shared with employees, as reported by The New York Times in 2018. In other communications obtained by the outlet, Kaplan indicated that he was supporting his friend and had taken a personal day to be at the hearing.
“I have known Brett and Ashley Kavanaugh for two decades,” Kaplan stated. “They are among the closest friends my wife Laura and I have in D.C. I was part of their wedding; he was part of ours. Our children have known each other since they were young.”
Regardless of the apologies, Kaplan and his wife continued to host a gathering for supporters following Kavanaugh’s confirmation, Politico reported at the time.
This new appointment arrives as Zuckerberg and other leaders in Silicon Valley aim to strengthen their relationships with the impending Trump administration. The Meta founder visited Mar-a-Lago in November and allegedly contributed $1 million to Trump’s inaugural committee shortly thereafter.
Clegg, who served as the British deputy prime minister from 2010 to 2015, was part of the coalition government formed by his Liberal Democratic Party and the Conservative Party. The coalition dissolved after the Liberal Democrats lost much of their backing in the 2015 elections, and Clegg lost his parliamentary seat in 2017.
In a message announcing his departure, Clegg expressed that he was “genuinely excited” about Kaplan taking over his position.
Current and past executives from Meta shared their thoughts in the comments section of Clegg’s message, commending his more than six years with the company and the selection of his successor.
“Joel brings with him decades of expertise both at Meta and in public service, combined with immense talent, skill, vision, and creativity,” Sandberg, who has since departed the company, remarked. “No one is better suited to lead this team in this era of innovation and chances for Meta. Joel—congratulations, and we’re all eager to see what you accomplish!”
“I am privileged to take on your legacy and thankful for your ongoing support as I transition into this role,” Kaplan commented in his own message commending his predecessor.
