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Top CEOs and companies, including Amazon, OpenAI, Meta, Robinhood, Uber, Ford, and hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, have pledged millions to Trump’s inaugural committee, signaling a strategic effort to gain influence with the incoming administration.
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Trump’s promises to revamp economic policies, particularly favoring industries like fossil fuels, have drawn heightened interest from corporate leaders seeking to align with these potential benefits.
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Trump’s inaugural committee is on track to exceed $150 million in contributions, far surpassing the previous record of $107 million raised for his 2017 inauguration.
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Unlike campaign donations, inaugural contributions are unlimited, offering corporations a low-risk way to build relationships with the administration while avoiding becoming a target of Trump’s criticism.
Top CEOs and their companies are pledging millions of dollars to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural committee, seeking to secure favor and influence before he takes office.
Among the notable donors are Jeff Bezos’ Amazon, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, each committing $1 million. Robinhood Markets has pledged $2 million, while Uber and its CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, will contribute $1 million. Ford is coupling its $1 million donation with a fleet of vehicles. Hedge fund manager Ken Griffin also plans to give $1 million, with additional contributions from financial leaders anticipated.
Trump’s promises to overhaul U.S. economic policy—particularly in favor of industries like fossil fuels—have drawn significant interest. His emphasis on personal connections and public praise has motivated many CEOs to visit Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort and transition headquarters.
“Inaugural committees present a unique opportunity to curry favor with an administration,” said Brendan Glavin, director of research at OpenSecrets. Unlike campaign donations, inaugural contributions are unrestricted, providing an advantageous avenue for corporations to align themselves with the incoming leadership.
Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee raised a record-breaking $107 million. For his second inauguration, pledged contributions are already on track to exceed $150 million, surpassing previous records. In comparison, President Joe Biden’s inaugural committee raised nearly $62 million.
The shift in Big Tech’s involvement is notable. Companies that steered clear of Trump’s first inauguration are now stepping in with significant support. As Michael Beckel of Issue One observes, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” For these CEOs, supporting Trump’s inaugural committee is a strategic move to stay in his good graces while positioning their companies to benefit from upcoming policy changes.
With contributions pouring in, Trump’s second inauguration is set to redefine the role of corporate influence in U.S. politics.
