US Business Leaders Set to Break Record on Donations to Trump Inaugural Fund

US Business Leaders Set to Break Record on Donations to Trump Inaugural Fund

"US business leaders are pouring millions into Trump's second inauguration—find out why!"

Record-Breaking Donations
US business leaders are spending big on Donald Trump’s second inaugural fund, which is predicted to exceed the record-setting $107 million raised in 2017.

Seeking Favor with the Administration
The donations, unrestricted by campaign finance laws, come as industries and business leaders seek to curry favor with the incoming administration after Trump’s decisive win.

Major Contributors
Some of the planned donations include $1 million each from Amazon, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg. Other notable contributors include Uber, Toyota, Ford, and General Motors.

Strategic Visits to Mar-a-Lago
Many senior executives have already made the trip to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s transition team headquarters, to gain influence and access to the incoming administration.

Defensive Posture
Courting Trump is seen as both a defensive and charm-offensive posture. Business leaders do not want to be Trump’s punching bag for the next four years.

Fundraising Goals
Trump’s second-inauguration haul is on track to shatter the previous $107 million record, with pledged contributions already exceeding a $150 million fundraising goal.

Historical Comparisons
For context, Barack Obama’s inauguration raised $53 million in 2009 and $42 million in 2013, while Joe Biden’s raised $63 million in 2021.

Corporate Pledges
Despite previous pledges to suspend political donations after the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, companies like Ford, Intuit, and Toyota are now supporting Trump’s committee.

Symbolic Apologies
Trump aides have indicated that the fundraising isn’t about the money but a symbolic means to exact an apology for any previous perceived lapse of loyalty.

Exclusive Events for Donors
Donors who give $1 million or raise $2 million will receive tickets to a series of pre-inauguration events, including a reception with cabinet picks and a black-tie ball.

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#TrumpInauguration #USPolitics #BusinessLeaders #InauguralFund #PoliticalDonations #Trump2024 #CorporateDonations #BreakingNews #Inauguration2024 #PoliticalInfluence

Link
You can find the full article [here](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/dec/25/us-business-leaders-trump-inaugural-fund).