Is another celebrity eyeing the US presidency?
Multiple reports cited rumors that Facebook founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg will be running for the highest government position in America in 2020. The New York Post noted that the social networking giant has since granted the Silicon Valley superstar the right for time off for public service. Also, the news site said Zuckerberg appeared to have renounced his atheism and kicked off a 30-state Midwest tour to get to know more about the country.
“After a tumultuous last year, my hope for this challenge is to get out and talk to more people about how they’re living, working and thinking about the future,” he wrote in a Facebook post about the tour.
Buzzfeed News asked Zuckerberg on Tuesday, of which the latter flatly denied presidential plans. He added, “I’m focused on building our community at Facebook and working on the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.”
Zuckerberg is referring to the limited-liability corporation he and his wife, Dr. Priscilla Chan, founded in 2015 to further human potential and promote equality. The organization aims to achieve these goals by making major contributions and support in science research and education.
Zuckerberg did not immediately respond to follow-up questions about the rumored political bid.
Mirror UK, however, thinks that a political role could be in the cards. Leaked text messages between him and Marc Andreeseen, a Facebook investor, hinted about Zuckerberg’s ambitions in politics.
Moreover, an insider was also quoted as saying, "There is absolutely a possibility that Mark may choose to play a stronger role in the political system and political debates."