Facebook co-founder says Zuckerberg is 'embracing the philosophy behind Trumpism'

Harsh words from Chris Hughes.
 By 
Keith Wagstaff
 on 
Facebook co-founder says Zuckerberg is 'embracing the philosophy behind Trumpism'
Zucking things up. Credit: Francois Mori/AP/Shutterstock

As President Donald Trump's reelection campaign revs up, Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes shared some harsh words for Mark Zuckerberg.

He tweeted on Tuesday morning that by allowing lies to spread on Facebook, Zuckerberg is "embracing the philosophy behind Trumpism."

He was commenting on a tweet posted Monday by presidential hopeful Elizabeth Warren, who slammed Facebook for allowing Trump to run ads with obvious lies in them, even as CNN bans them.


You May Also Like

"Facebook already helped elect Donald Trump once because they were asleep at the wheel while Russia attacked our democracy," she said in a following tweet. "In fact, this time they’re going further by taking deliberate steps to help one candidate intentionally mislead the American people, while painting the candidacy of others (specifically: mine) as an 'existential' threat."

In case you missed it, Facebook recently announced that ads from politicians wouldn't be fact-checked. (The company is also letting them get away with things that would get regular users banned.)

So, spreading lies is OK, but in leaked audio, Zuckerberg said he would "go to the mat" and "fight" if Warren became president and tried to break up Facebook, referring to her as an "existential" threat.

Chris Hughes wasn't having any of it. He followed his scathing tweet by proposing a radical idea: What if tech companies didn't allow politicians to spread blatant lies?

Of course, that would require moral courage. It's easier to mutter some platitudes about "free speech" and "connecting people" and watch the money roll in. Trump, in his "great and unmatched wisdom," must be pretty pleased.

Mashable Image
Keith Wagstaff

Keith Wagstaff is an assistant editor at Mashable and a terrible Settlers of Catan player. He has written for TIME, The Wall Street Journal Magazine, NBC News, The Village Voice, VICE, GQ and New York Magazine, among many other reputable and not-so-reputable publications. After nearly a decade in New York City, he now lives in his native Los Angeles.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
Get lifetime access to structured philosophy lessons for $30
PC on desk

Mark Zuckerberg largely ignores smart glasses privacy backlash at Meta Connect
Mark Zuckerberg wears smart glasses at meta connect 2024

Hinge founder's AI matchmaker coming later this year
Justin McLeod speaks during the Fast Company Innovation Festival 2025

OpenAI hires Patreon’s co-founder as its creator push expands
he OpenAI logo is seen at the "ALL IN 2026" conference at the Palais des Congres de Montreal in Montreal, Quebec, on September 17, 2026

Gwyneth Paltrow is allegedly throwing a party for AI king Sam Altman
Gwyneth Paltrow attends the 46th Annual Muse Awards at Cipriani 42nd Street on March 20, 2026 in New York City..

More in Tech
‘Wicker’ is getting a 4DX screening. The internet’s imagination is running wild.
Alexander Skarsgård as the wicker husband in “Wicker,” with a woven face and beard, wearing a dark jacket over a white shirt in a dimly lit room.

25+ book deals to shop during Prime Big Deal Days from Ali Hazelwood, Abby Jimenez, and more
Three book covers on a colorful background

How to watch Argentina vs. Benin online for free
Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on

Hollywood's tech movie boom has arrived
Jeremy Strong playing Mark Zuckerberg in Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning

How to watch Croatia vs. Spain online for free
Lamine Yamal of Spain looks on

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 8, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

How can 'Ted Lasso' fix itself?
Tanya Reynolds, Jason Sudeikis, and Brendan Hunt in "Ted Lasso."

NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 8, 2026
NYT Connections logo.

Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 8, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for October 8, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.