Senators Query Tech Giants' Trump Inauguration Donations

Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bennet have sent letters to major tech companies, including Amazon, Apple, Google, and OpenAI, questioning their substantial donations to President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund. The lawmakers express concerns that these contributions, which exceed previous donations to President Biden's inauguration, may be attempts to influence the incoming administration and avoid regulatory scrutiny. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who donated $1 million personally, criticized the scrutiny as politically motivated, emphasizing that his company was not involved in the decision. The senators demand answers by January 31 regarding the rationale behind these donations and any communications with the Trump team. They highlight ongoing federal investigations into these companies, raising questions about potential corruption and the impact of corporate money on governance. The scrutiny reflects a broader concern about the increasing power of tech companies and their influence on politics.