Sophie Langley
In response to ongoing discussions about the implications of its artificial intelligence initiatives, Meta has assembled a new bipartisan political team aimed at gaining influence among U.S. lawmakers.
A report from Axios, reveals that Meta has strategically hired or promoted several high-level executives to garner support from both sides of the political spectrum.
The newly appointed members include:
- Michael Hacker, a veteran aide to Democratic Representative Jim Clyburn
- Nick Schmit, formerly an aide to Biden Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo
- Josh Raffel, a past aide to Trump and a senior official in his administration
- Pat Trueman, who previously held a senior position on Trump’s 2024 campaign
- Brian Rice, a former advisor to Democratic Secretary of State John Kerry
- Tucker Bounds, a past spokesperson for the McCain 2008 presidential campaign
- C.J. Mahoney, a former official in the Trump administration
Meta is clearly working to build alliances across the political landscape as it confronts mounting scrutiny regarding the effects of its platforms, its overall influence on both American and global society, and its extensive data center projects.
Engaging former political figures is a common strategy among large corporations, yet Meta’s escalating political expenditures are particularly noteworthy.
According to data from Open Secrets, Meta invested $26.29 million in federal lobbying efforts in 2025, with both 2024 and 2025 showing significant increases in this area.
This clearly indicates that the company is worried about potential regulatory challenges and their repercussions, prompting it to seek favor through various means.
Axios also noted that Meta President Dina Powell McCormick engaged in discussions with the Democratic House Commission on Artificial Intelligence in August regarding the company’s evolving AI strategies, including substantial investments in infrastructure.
Some of Meta’s data center projects have sparked calls for limitations on these developments due to their effects on local infrastructure and communities.Â
Concerns have been raised regarding water contamination and usage, as highlighted by the BBC, while NPR has reported on damage to local roadways. The Guardian has also reported on issues related to noise pollution and, Consumer Reports noted impacts on the electricity supply.
Meta asserts that it actively seeks to mitigate these issues during each data center construction phase. lingering questions about the feasibility of these projects and their potential benefits to the surrounding areas remain unresolved.
Cameron Steel
