Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer, plans to leave in 2027 after 15+ years as Mark Zuckerberg's top DC adviser; Kaplan has close Trump ties

Meta's top lobbyist in Washington is leaving, reshaping the company's relationship with lawmakers and regulators.

Joel Kaplan, Meta's chief global affairs officer and Mark Zuckerberg's top adviser in Washington D.C. for over 15 years, is planning to depart the company next year. Kaplan, who joined Meta in 2009, has been instrumental in shaping the tech giant's approach to policy and regulation in the United States. His tenure has been marked by significant lobbying efforts and engagement with lawmakers and government officials across various administrations. Kaplan's departure marks the end of an era for Meta's D.C. operations, where he has been a central figure in navigating complex political landscapes and public scrutiny.

Kaplan's exit signifies a potential shift in Meta's strategy for engaging with Washington, particularly as regulatory pressures on large tech companies continue to mount. His deep relationships and understanding of the political landscape have been crucial for Meta in navigating legislative and policy challenges, including antitrust investigations and content moderation debates.

The company will need to find a successor capable of maintaining and building upon these critical government relations, especially given Kaplan's long tenure and close ties to the highest levels of political power. This move could also signal an opportunity for new approaches to policy advocacy and corporate responsibility messaging from Meta on the national stage.