Meta has appointed Joel Kaplan as the new head of global policy, succeeding Nick Clegg. Kaplan's promotion reflects Mark Zuckerberg's strategy to align with the incoming Republican administration of President-elect Donald Trump, as indicated by recent actions including a $1 million donation to Trump's inaugural fund. Kaplan's background and connections within GOP circles are expected to help Meta navigate the complexities of the new political landscape, particularly in avoiding ongoing scrutiny and antitrust issues, while also advocating for free speech on the platform.