It cost American taxpayers $1.4 billion to protect President Barack Obama and his family in 2015. It will cost nearly that to protect Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg over the next decade.
Fortune.com reports Facebook paid $4.3 million to a security force to protect Zuckerberg in 2015. The social networking giant has already shelled out millions more in 2016.
The billionaire, who is paid $1 in annual salary, beefed up his security after the birth of his daughter Max on Dec. 1.
No less than 16 bodyguards are assigned to guard Zuckerberg at his $10 million compound in san Francisco. His wife Priscilla Chan, 31, has her own security detail.
Facebook defends Zuckerberg’s excessive bodyguard detail.
“We require these security measures for the company’s benefit because of the importance of Mr. Zuckerberg to Facebook, and we believe that the costs of this overall security program are appropriate and necessary.”
“Because of the high visibility of our company, our compensation & governance committee has authorized an ‘overall security program’ for Mr. Zuckerberg to address safety concerns due to specific threats to his safety arising directly as a result of his position as our founder, chairman, and CEO,” said Facebook in a statement.
Thanks to loyal reader Django for the tip.
