Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could face “repercussions” from Donald Trump after the couple released a statement regarding changes to social media, an expert has warned.
Following Meta’s announcement that it will be scrapping fact-checking, the Sussexes released a statement warning of the “intentionally disruptive information environment” this could create.
Mark Zuckerberg’s company owns Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp, and the tech billionaire introduced this significant change just two weeks before Mr Trump is due to be sworn into the White House.
Harry and Meghan accused Mr Zuckerberg of “undoubtedly responding to political winds” in an apparent refernce to Mr Trump’s looming presidency.
They said: “This latest move from Meta is an example of a social media company – fully aware of their power to shape public discourse – disregarding any responsibility to ensure that power is not abused and instead allowing either ego or profit, likely both, to guide decisions that affect billions.”
As a result, a PR expert fears the pair could be targeted by the Republican during his next four years in office.
Nick Ede told Newsweek: “Unfortunately there could be a repercussion from this, especially with Trump, you know, poking this ginormous bear and not expecting something back from it.
“Trump will see this as a battle he wants to win and potentially will target them in whatever way he does it.
“We know how Trump is and he has said he is looking to see how Prince Harry, having taken drugs, was able to get citizenship in the US.
“This is quite incendiary in that respect because we know Trump is not a fan of theirs and this could be a way to negatively effect them. I don’t think this is the last of this and I don’t think it will stop.”
However, the PR expert added that it could actually turn into a positive thing for Harry and Meghan as they’ve been seen to publicly stand up for a safer online environment – something they are passionate about.
He said: “It’s good they’re still putting their money where their mouth is in the fact [that] they are crusaders for making sure social media companies are a safe space.”
Last year, the Sussexes also launched The Archewell Foundation Parents’ Network too support families after the death of a child that was related to social media.
