Full Breakdown
Meta Teams with Far-Right Newsmax to Train Its AI Systems
7/31/2026, 1:11:11 AM
Core Deal Overview
The financial terms were not disclosed. Meta’s AI offerings currently trail competitors such as OpenAI, prompting CEO Mark Zuckerberg to pour “hundreds of billions” into data-center capacity and broader AI integration.
Background & Controversies
Newsmax is identified by NewsGuard with a credibility score of 20 out of 100 and labeled by Media Bias/Fact Check as “Low” for factual reporting; Ground News rates it “Very Low.” The outlet has repeatedly promoted false election-fraud narratives, including a November 16 2020 broadcast of lawyer Sidney Powell’s claim of “massive election fraud” and a December 13 2020 segment where Mike Huckabee introduced Powell’s unsubstantiated allegations. Legal actions followed: Smartmatic and Dominion sued Newsmax, resulting in settlements exceeding $100 million combined. Meta has previously struck similar AI-training deals with Fox News (which settled a Dominion defamation suit for $787 million), The Daily Caller, The Washington Examiner and News Corp, while also incorporating centrist outlets such as USA Today, CNN and People Inc.
Related Partnerships and Legal Settlements
Beyond Newsmax, Meta’s AI-training agreements span a mix of right-leaning and mainstream publishers. The company has not announced any comparable partnership with left-leaning outlets. Meta declined to comment when approached for a statement on the Newsmax deal.
Official Statements & Responses
Zuckerberg’s broader investment strategy was described as an effort to “catch up” with rival AI providers. No response was obtained from Meta regarding the partnership.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You know what? At the end of the day, it’s great for news,” — Chris Ruddy, Newsmax CEO.
