In a surprising turn of events, Amazon and Meta have each pledged $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund.
The donations signal an effort by these tech giants to strengthen ties with Trump’s incoming administration. Amazon is also contributing an additional $1 million in the form of streaming services through its Prime Video platform, broadcasting the inauguration to millions of subscribers.
This commitment comes as the tech industry seeks to smooth over historically tense relations with Trump, who has often criticized Big Tech for its policies and practices, WFAA reported.
Both companies’ financial support marks a significant shift from Trump’s 2017 inauguration, where their contributions were markedly lower.
The announcement of Amazon’s donation coincides with news that founder Jeff Bezos is scheduled to meet with Trump. Their previous clashes were well-documented, with Trump frequently attacking Bezos over Amazon’s business practices and his ownership of The Washington Post. Bezos, in turn, had publicly criticized Trump’s rhetoric.
Despite this, Bezos recently expressed optimism about Trump’s second term during an appearance at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit. He also endorsed Trump’s plans to reduce business regulations, indicating a potential thaw in their once-icy relationship.
Meta’s $1 million pledge follows a private meeting between CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Zuckerberg, who faced backlash from conservatives after Trump was suspended from Facebook following the January 6 Capitol protest, appears to be recalibrating his company’s image among right-leaning audiences.
Although Trump’s account was reinstated in early 2023, tensions lingered, with Trump frequently attacking Zuckerberg during his campaign. Meta’s donation is a notable shift, as the company did not contribute to Trump’s 2017 inauguration or President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration.
These donations underscore a broader trend of corporate recalibration in response to Trump’s political resurgence. Many business leaders are adopting a pragmatic approach, supporting Trump’s economic policies while downplaying past controversies.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff for his second term, remarked that leaders like Zuckerberg recognize the potential benefits of Trump’s economic vision. The financial support from tech giants indicates a willingness to engage with policies that may favor business growth, such as tax cuts and reduced regulations.
During his 2017 administration, Trump implemented a significant corporate tax cut, reducing the rate from 35% to 21%. Now, he’s promising even steeper cuts for companies that manufacture products domestically. These policies appeal to major corporations looking for financial incentives to invest in the United States.
Both Amazon and Meta’s contributions may be strategic moves to align with an administration that prioritizes business-friendly legislation. Trump’s proposal to impose tariffs on foreign competitors may also be a driving factor in their support.
Historically, corporate donations have played a significant role in funding presidential inaugurations. While Barack Obama refused corporate contributions for his 2009 inauguration, he accepted them for his 2013 ceremony. In contrast, Google and Microsoft donated to both Trump’s 2017 inauguration and Biden’s 2021 event, reflecting a balanced approach to political support. Amazon’s donation of $58,000 in 2017 pales in comparison to the $1 million pledged for 2025, reflecting the company’s evolving relationship with Trump’s administration.
As the January inauguration approaches, these contributions highlight a potential shift in the relationship between Big Tech and conservative politics. While past tensions are unlikely to vanish overnight, the financial support from Amazon and Meta signals a new phase of pragmatic diplomacy. For these tech giants, aligning with Trump’s economic agenda could be a strategic decision to ensure their long-term growth and stability in an unpredictable political landscape.