Major Corporations Donate to Trump's Inauguration

In anticipation of Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration, a significant number of Fortune 500 companies and individual billionaires are pledging substantial donations, aiming to foster goodwill with the incoming administration. Major contributors, including Ford, General Motors, Amazon, and hedge fund billionaire Ken Griffin, each plan to donate $1 million, while cryptocurrency firm Ripple stands out with a $5 million contribution in XRP. Donors can expect exclusive benefits, such as private receptions and VIP tickets to events, in return for their financial support. Despite previously reconsidering political donations in light of the January 6 Capitol riots, many companies are now actively contributing, suggesting a strategic pivot to secure favorable relations with Trump’s administration. The fundraising for the inauguration is set to break records, with no legal limits on donation amounts to the inaugural committee, allowing corporate interests to potentially influence policy. This rush to donate highlights a broader trend of corporate America attempting to align with political power regardless of past criticisms or pledges to withdraw support.