The founder of Facebook enters a meeting in the Oval Office; this isn’t a bad joke, but rather a window into the erratic environment of Donald Trump’s White House.
Air Force leaders arrived at the Oval Office earlier this year for what was supposed to be a top-secret, tightly controlled briefing with President Trump on America’s next-generation fighter aircraft, which was reportedly named the F-47 in reference to Trump’s position as the 47th President of the United States. Trump has praised the aircraft as a significant advancement in air power and the most sophisticated and deadly combat platform ever created.
However, generals were taken aback when Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta and one of the richest men in the world, casually walked into the room as they were outlining the sensitive details of the stealth jet. White House officials were concerned that Zuckerberg did not have the required security clearance for such a high-level national security discussion, according to NBC News. After rattling the brass in attendance, he was graciously asked to leave.
The episode, according to one administration official, exemplifies the “bizarro world” vibe that permeates Trump’s West Wing. Later, generals expressed their confusion and unease over the lack of operational security, privately questioning whether the unexpected visit, along with aides wandering around and Trump’s phone calls interfering, might have exposed classified information.
However, this disorderly dynamic is now the standard. According to reports, Trump embraces the Oval Office’s revolving-door feel, which is reminiscent of a busy train station in New York, by calling it “Grand Central Terminal.” Trump’s inner sanctum now serves as a clubhouse for friends, confidantes, and aides with unofficial “walk-in privileges,” in contrast to previous administrations when the Oval is a stronghold for a select group of top aides.
To avoid missing any last-minute decisions, even cabinet secretaries hover around. “No one wants to miss the decision,” an insider told NBC. Anyone in the vicinity could join the discussion due to Trump’s people-first approach, even if that someone is the Facebook founder attending a briefing on a classified fighter jet.
