In a move that has sparked debate, Instagram users recently expressed their discontent after discovering they were automatically following President Trump's social media accounts. This occurrence is part of a broader transition process in the United States, where official social media accounts like @POTUS, @VP, and @FLOTUS transfer to the new administration. The Obama administration established many of these accounts, including @WhiteHouse, and ensured that all posts and materials would be preserved by the National Archives and Records Administration. This careful preservation underscores the importance of maintaining historical records while facilitating a seamless transition for subsequent administrations.
The transition of power on social media platforms has been a standard practice since at least 2017. Users who follow these accounts automatically continue to follow them and the archive accounts of the previous administration. As confirmed by Meta, this policy ensures continuity but has also led to confusion and dissatisfaction among some users.
"On Instagram and Facebook, the incoming White House will gain access to the White House username, URL, and retain the followers, but will start with no content on the timeline," – Obama administration
These accounts are under the management of the White House, and their content evolves with each new administration. This ongoing change is part of maintaining an accurate representation of the current government’s activities and policies.
"Those accounts are managed by the White House so with a new administration, the content on those Pages changes." – Andy Stone
Amidst these developments, Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has implemented several policy changes that have drawn attention. These include eliminating third-party fact-checking and ending the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion program. Additionally, Zuckerberg's appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast highlighted his views on masculinity.
"I think having a culture that celebrates the aggression a bit more has its own merits," – Mark Zuckerberg
Meta's appointment of Joel Kaplan, a former Republican White House staffer, as its new policy chief further emphasizes the shifting dynamics within the company.