**Meta Platforms Inc. Targets Government Contracts with New Hires**
Meta Platforms Inc., the tech giant behind Facebook, is reportedly recruiting former national security and Pentagon officials to bolster its efforts in selling virtual reality and artificial intelligence (AI) services to the government. This information comes from a report by Forbes, which cites knowledgeable government officials familiar with the company’s hiring initiatives.
Recently, Meta introduced its Llama AI model aimed at military applications and has continued to engage with lobbyists within the U.S. government. The company has opened nearly six job positions to enhance its chances of securing lucrative government contracts. Among these roles, Meta is seeking two public policy managers, one of whom will specifically focus on the White House. The job postings indicate that candidates must possess prior security clearance and experience working with the Pentagon.
The job description emphasizes the need for outreach to national security and foreign policy agencies within the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, addressing both policy matters and the adoption of Meta’s technologies.
In January 2025, Meta made headlines by hiring Francis Brennan, a former advisor to President Donald Trump, to lead its communications in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the company brought on board another former official with over a decade of experience in an undisclosed U.S. federal agency, as noted in LinkedIn profiles.
While Meta has not publicly disclosed any direct contracts or agreements with the Pentagon or the National Security Agency (NSA), it appears to be following in the footsteps of competitors like Google and OpenAI, seeking to expand its footprint in government sectors. Shana Marshall, an international affairs expert at George Washington University, commented on the trend, suggesting that Meta is recognizing the potential for revenue in government contracts, particularly with the Pentagon, as civilian applications of AI may not yield the expected financial returns.
Although Meta primarily operates in the online advertising space, these recent developments indicate a strategic shift towards government ventures.
**FAQ**
**Q: Why is Meta hiring former national security officials?**
A: Meta is recruiting former national security and Pentagon officials to enhance its efforts in selling virtual reality and AI services to the government, aiming to secure lucrative contracts.
