A perplexed Mark Zuckerberg was left looking for answers when US lawmakers compared him with US President Donald Trump during a Congressional hearing, saying both are "very successful businessmen, capitalists and billionaires".
Republican Barry Loudermilk from Georgia was the first to compare Zuckerberg to Trump during a congressional hearing with the Facebook CEO on Wednesday, saying both are "very successful businessmen, both are capitalists and both are billionaires", and what he thinks the two most share in common "is you both challenge the status quo. He calls it draining the swamp, you see it as innovation".
Zuckerberg looked clueless what to answer.
Later, Democrat Juan Vargas from California, told the Facebook CEO he is "almost tempted" to ask if he took the comparison as a compliment, "since you can't lie to Congress".
Vargas immediately told Zuckerberg: "Don't answer that. Not even with a smile", leaving Zuckerberg baffled and speechless once again, reports Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Zuckerberg did offer some details about his meeting with President Trump in September, saying antitrust probe did not come up during the talks at the Oval Office.
"I don't think so, but the meeting was private, overall. Those subjects didn't come up, but in general I don't feel like it's appropriate for me to comment in too much detail on private conversations," he told the House hearing.
Zuckerberg met President Trump in the Oval Office. "Nice meeting with Mark Zuckerberg of @Facebook in the Oval Office today," tweeted Trump.
Facebook CEO testified before House and Senate committees in April last year over Cambridge Analytica data scandal affecting 87 million users globally.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
)