Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg took what appeared to be a casual stroll with his long-time No. 2, Sheryl Sandberg, following a damning report claiming the Trump presidency has damaged their relationship.
Hours after the New York Times reported that Sandberg had become “increasingly isolated” from her boss, the duo were spotted chatting as they walked around the luxurious grounds of the Sun Valley Lodge in Idaho, where they are attending the Allen & Co. conference for media and tech moguls.
The pair conveniently walked past a gaggle of penned-up print and TV reporters, allowing photographers to snap away as they stopped to chat with Blizzard Activision CEO Bobby Kotick and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
Earlier on Thursday, Sandberg was approached by a Post reporter on her way out of the nearby Konditorei cafe and asked for comment on the Times story, which claimed that her role as Zuckerberg’s second-in-command became less certain as her influence in Washington diminished during Trump’s presidency.
“Good question,” the “Lean In” author said before walking on.
Zuckerberg also declined to comment on the story when spotted earlier walking the grounds donning khaki shorts, a hoodie, flip flops and aviator sunglasses.
The Times report suggested that Zuckerberg took a more active role in Washington during the Trump presidency because he was unable to rely on Sandberg, a staunch Hillary Clinton supporter and “reliable and prominent Democratic bundler.”
Facebook has denied the report through a spokeswoman.
“The fault lines that the authors depict between Mark and Sheryl and the people who work with them do not exist,” spokeswoman Dani Lever said.
“Both Mark and Sheryl have spent more time on policy issues – and hired more senior members to the team, including Nick Clegg who reports to Sheryl. These areas demanded more time, attention and focus, which both Mark and Sheryl have given them,” Lever added.
Facebook found itself criticized on both sides of the aisle during the Trump presidency amid calls for it to clamp down on the president’s posts.
Source: Nypost
