Big-name business leaders and major corporations are pouring millions into Donald Trump’s inaugural committee, sparking criticism from government watchdogs who see this as an effort to curry favor with the incoming administration.
With massive donations coming from companies like Amazon, Meta, Uber, and Ford, Trump’s inauguration is shaping up to break records yet again, but critics are raising alarms about the influence this money could wield... Continue reading here ▶
List of Top Business Leaders Who Has Poured Millions Into Trump’s Inaugural Committee
Trump’s inaugural committee has already secured some eye-popping contributions, according to reports from CNBC:
- Amazon and Meta: $1 million each
- Sam Altman’s OpenAI: $1 million
- Robinhood Markets: $2 million
- Uber and CEO Dara Khosrowshahi: $1 million
- Ford Motor Company: $1 million
- Ken Griffin (hedge fund manager): $1 million
“It really is a great opportunity for them to curry favor with the incoming administration,” said Brendan Glavin, research director at OpenSecrets, a nonprofit that tracks money in politics.
Why Businesses Are Opening Their Wallets
Inaugural committees are tasked with planning and funding the celebrations surrounding a president’s transition into office. These tax-exempt committees are allowed to accept unlimited donations from individuals, corporations, or labor groups, making them a prime avenue for businesses to gain influence.
“One of the oldest adages in Washington is that if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” said Michael Beckel, research director for Issue One, a political reform advocacy group. “The price of admission to have a seat at the table keeps going up.”
Trump’s history of rewarding loyalty and punishing opposition has heightened the stakes for these companies.
“None of these people want to be Trump’s punching bag for four years,” Glavin added.
Shattering Fundraising Records
Trump’s 2017 inaugural committee raised $107 million—more than double the previous record set by Barack Obama in 2009. For his second inauguration, Trump’s committee has already surpassed its $150 million fundraising goal, far exceeding Joe Biden’s $62 million haul in 2021.
Critics argue that this level of fundraising is not just about celebrating a new president but also about buying influence.
“We take a look through the history of the financing of inaugurations, and clearly it comes from very large donors, wealthy special interests, and corporations,” said Craig Holman, government affairs lobbyist for the nonprofit Public Citizen. “Almost all of them have business pending before the federal government.”
Who’s Behind Trump’s Inaugural Committee?
The committee was formed just four days after the November election and is chaired by a mix of prominent business leaders and political allies:
- Steve Witkoff, real estate investor
- Kelly Loeffler, former Republican senator
- Reince Priebus, former White House chief of staff
- Finance chairs: Miriam Adelson, GOP megadonor; Diane Hendricks, billionaire donor
This high-profile lineup underscores the committee’s close ties to wealthy donors and influential figures.
Transparency Concerns
While inaugural committees are required to disclose donors who contribute more than $200, questions remain about how much money is left over after expenses—and where that surplus goes.
“This is a real cesspool of buying favors,” Holman said, pointing to the lack of clarity around leftover funds and the heavy involvement of corporate interests.
