Donations, not restricted by campaign finance laws, come as industries seek favor with incoming administration

Summary

Donald Trump’s second inaugural fund is set to exceed $150 million, breaking the $107 million record from 2017.

Major companies like Amazon, Meta, Toyota, and Ford, along with executives like Sam Altman and Ken Griffin, are donating $1 million each.

Experts note the contributions aim to curry favor or avoid backlash from the incoming administration.

Some firms, despite earlier pledges to suspend political donations after the January 6 Capitol riot, are now participating.

    • 4grams@lemmy.world
      22·
      16 days ago

      we made it legal a while ago, just used to pretend it was a bad thing. This one uses it as their strategy.

      hope this country enjoys the dictatorship of dunces we just voted in.

  • Narri N.@lemmy.mlEnglish
    41·
    16 days ago

    How many meals can this buy for those wanting? Shelters for the homeless? Treatment for the sick? Oh wait, I forgot. The US is a third world country with a Gucci belt. The fascists do what the fascists do.

    • andrew_bidlaw@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
      5·
      15 days ago

      Too small for bribes from these billionaires. It’s a set token, a show of loyalty (at the last moment?) that they’d support him. I don’t know how long this loyalty would last, but I’m sure that’s the sum he asked from those who wanted to be close to him as a prove.

  • JiveTurkey@lemmy.world
    35·
    15 days ago

    Add this to the pile of reasons no one is outraged by a CEO being gunned down. We’re tired of this bullshit and they’re happy to buy power right in front of our eyes.

  • Maple Engineer@lemmy.world
    291·
    16 days ago

    Last time he tried to hide it. This time he is being completely open about the fact that he is for sale because he believes that he is untouchable.

  • jagged_circle@feddit.nlEnglish
    6·
    15 days ago

    What is that money used for? I dont get it.

    Giving money for a campaign makes sense. Its expensive. Covers expenses of your campaign workers, travel, advertisement, etc.

    But after you’ve won, your cabinet is paid by tax dollars. What the heck is an inauguration donation for??

  • errer@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    15 days ago

    Sadly presidents having corporations donate large sums of money to their inaugurations is not new, although Trump is definitely getting more.

    U.S. President Joe Biden raised $61.8 million for his inauguration events, receiving large contributions from corporations, labor unions and wealthy individuals, according to a financial disclosure.

    https://www.reuters.com/world/us/pfizer-unions-others-donated-618-mln-bidens-inaugural-2021-04-21/