Cannabis, Crypto Firms Donate Over $100M to Trump Inauguration

Newly released federal records reveal that major marijuana companies, including Trulieve and Curaleaf, donated at least $1 million to President Donald Trump's inaugural committee ahead of his second term. Trulieve's CEO, Kim Rivers, also met personally with Trump and attended pre-inauguration events, reflecting the industry's interest in shaping federal marijuana policy. Meanwhile, the American Rights and Reform PAC, backed by cannabis interests, has targeted President Biden's cannabis policies in new ads while highlighting Trump's campaign support for marijuana reforms. In addition, records show that at least 15 cryptocurrency firms and individuals collectively contributed more than $100,000 to Trump's inauguration, with some donors reportedly receiving regulatory or legal benefits under his administration. Notably, Gotion Inc., a China-connected battery maker, donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural committee, despite previous Republican criticism of Democratic ties to the company. These revelations underscore the broad spectrum of corporate interests seeking influence with the incoming administration.