Zuckerberg, Sandberg go for a stroll amid talk of damaged relationship

SUN VALLEY, Idaho — Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg took what appeared to be a casual stroll with his long-time No. 2, Sheryl Sandberg, on Thursday 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.

Two women and two men standing on a sidewalk talking
Mark Zuckerberg (right) and Sheryl Sandberg (second from right) stopped during their very public walk at the Allen & Co. Sun Vally conference to chat with other attendees, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft (second from left).
Getty Images

“I’m not commenting on anything, but have fun here,” the 37-year-old Facebook co-founder said.

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 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.

Sheryl Sandberg and Mark Zuckerberg walking together 
 outside
Sheryl Sandberg and Mark Zuckerberg take a walk together amid reports Sandberg’s role as Zuckerberg’s second-in-command became less certain as her political influence diminished during the Trump presidency.
Getty Images

Facebook ended up suspending the former President for two years following concerns that he incited the Jan. 6 insurrection at the US Capitol.

Trump this week sued Facebook and Twitter, which banned him permanently, claiming censorship.

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