Meta, the company behind Facebook, is making big moves to enter the military and national security world. The tech giant is now hiring people who used to work for the Pentagon and other government agencies. Their goal is to sell Meta’s virtual reality and artificial intelligence (AI) services to the U.S. government.
Recently, Meta opened its Llama AI model for military use. Now, the company is looking for new employees with experience in national security, especially those who have worked in the White House or have security clearance. Some job postings ask for people who can help Meta connect with government agencies and promote its technology, as reported by Forbes.
In January, Meta hired Francis Brennan, a former advisor to Donald Trump, to lead communications in Washington, D.C. Another new employee, who worked for the government for over ten years, said on LinkedIn that they joined Meta to help with “intelligence sharing” with the government.
Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, has also been trying to build a better relationship with the Trump administration. He has made several changes at Meta, such as ending Facebook’s third-party fact-checking program and appointing Trump allies to the company’s board. Zuckerberg even bought a $23 million home in Washington, D.C., and attended Trump’s inauguration.
Facebook logo. Image source: Unsplash.
So far, Meta has not announced any direct contracts with the Pentagon, but experts say the company sees a big opportunity. Other tech companies like Google and OpenAI have already started working with the military, and Meta does not want to be left behind. Meta has had some small government contracts in the past, mostly for advertising and social media.
Meta’s main business is still online advertising, but the company is now looking for people who can help sell its virtual reality technology to the government. The Pentagon has been interested in using virtual reality for training since 2019. Meta is also looking for someone to help promote its Llama AI model to developers, startups, and government agencies.
Llama AI, open to the military
In November, Meta said it would allow Llama to be used by the military and national security agencies. The company is working with other big names in the defense industry, like Palantir, Scale AI, Leidos, Lockheed Martin, and Booz Allen. Booz Allen is even using Llama to help replace paper documents on the International Space Station.
For a long time, tech companies were careful about letting the military use their AI, worried that it could be used in dangerous ways. But as more companies like Palantir and Scale AI win big government contracts, others are following. Google and OpenAI have both changed their policies to allow military use of their AI technology.
Last week, Zuckerberg said on a podcast that working with the government is “necessary.” He explained that as an American company, Meta should try to have a good relationship with whoever is in charge.
Meta’s new hires and policy changes show that the company is serious about becoming a bigger player in the military and national security industry. As the competition grows, Meta is making sure it is ready to join the race.
Sources:
- Forbes – https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidjeans/2025/05/07/meta-pentagon-trump/
