Sussexes’ Bold Move Risks Clash with Donald Trump
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are no strangers to controversy, but their latest move may ignite a firestorm they weren’t anticipating. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have openly criticised Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram, over its decision to scrap its fact-checking program.
In a pointed statement, the couple urged Meta to prioritise public safety and address the rise of hate speech on its platforms, suggesting the company’s decision was influenced by “political winds.”
However, PR expert Nick Ede warns that their remarks could provoke a significant backlash, particularly from former U.S. President Donald Trump. "Poking this ginormous bear," Ede explained, "Trump will likely see this as a battle he wants to win," leaving Harry and Meghan to prepare for potential retaliation.
Trump has previously voiced his disapproval of the Sussexes, and Ede suggested their comments might be "quite incendiary." The couple’s outspoken stance on issues like hate speech has clashed with Trump’s rhetoric in the past, particularly during the 2020 election when Harry and Meghan released a video urging Americans to “vote against hate speech,” widely interpreted as a veiled criticism of Trump.
Ede cautioned that the Sussexes’ latest move could "negatively affect them," potentially escalating tensions between the couple and the former president.
As Harry and Meghan continue to advocate for social causes, their criticism of Meta signals their willingness to confront powerful figures and institutions, even as it risks drawing them into another high-profile clash.
