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Updated April 3rd 2025, 18:56 IST

Meta CEO Moves Closer to Power: Zuckerberg Buys Luxury DC Estate

The sale also reflects a broader trend: high-profile CEOs securing luxury properties in Washington as Trump’s second term unfolds.

Reported by: Sagar Kar
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Mark Zuckerberg | Image: AP

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has quietly purchased a $23 million mansion in one of Washington, D.C.’s most exclusive neighborhoods, fueling speculation about his growing presence in the capital.

For weeks, residents of Woodland Normanstone—an upscale area near the Naval Observatory—have wondered about the mystery buyer who paid in cash for the 15,000-square-foot estate. According to a report from Politico, the sale, one of the most expensive in the city’s history, was wrapped in secrecy, with real estate agents bound by non-disclosure agreements. Shortly after the deal was finalized in early March, Google Maps images of the property became pixelated, adding to the intrigue.

Zuckerberg’s D.C. Presence Confirmed

The speculation ended this week when a Meta spokesperson confirmed the purchase to POLITICO Magazine.

“Mark and Priscilla have purchased a home in D.C., which will allow Mark to spend more time there as Meta continues the work on policy issues related to American technology leadership,” the spokesperson said, referencing Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan.

On Monday, flight-tracking websites showed that Zuckerberg’s private jet had landed at Washington Dulles Airport. By Wednesday, the same day he was seen at the White House, the once-dark mansion showed signs of activity, with increased security and staff presence.

Why Is Zuckerberg Moving In?

Meta insists that the house simply provides Zuckerberg a safe and convenient place to stay during his growing visits to Washington. The tech billionaire already owns properties in Palo Alto, Lake Tahoe, and Hawaii, so adding a D.C. home follows his pattern of securing real estate in key locations.

However, some real estate insiders reportedly see a deeper significance behind the purchase—one tied to the power dynamics of Trump’s second administration.

An "Embassy" to the Trump Administration?

According to Tom Daley, a veteran of Washington’s luxury real estate market, the move could be about building closer ties with the White House.

“I think it’s proximity and being here,” Daley said, as per the report. “It’s the ultimate bow to the man in the White House. To me, it’s a little reminiscent of when the Trump Hotel was the Trump Hotel. He notices who’s there. It’s an easy way to say, ‘Hey, we’re with ya. Here we are.’ I’m sure he takes it as the ultimate compliment.”

Zuckerberg’s purchase may not just be about convenience—it could be a strategic investment in maintaining Meta’s relationship with the government. In a business climate where private-sector leaders see value in being physically present in D.C., his new mansion might function as more than just a home. It could serve as a “personal embassy,” reinforcing his influence in the corridors of power.

A Sign of the Times?

The sale also reflects a broader trend: high-profile CEOs securing luxury properties in Washington as Trump’s second term unfolds. While Zuckerberg’s purchase has drawn the most attention, it may not be the last. With policy decisions increasingly favoring those who engage directly with the administration, having a permanent presence in the capital may be a new priority for America’s corporate elite.

Published April 3rd 2025, 18:56 IST