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Amazon donates $1m to Trump’s inaugural fund as tech cozies up to president-elect

Dec 13, 2024 - theguardian.com
Amazon, along with other tech giants like Meta and OpenAI, is donating $1 million to Donald Trump’s inaugural fund as he prepares to enter office for a second term. This move is part of a broader trend of tech companies seeking favorable treatment from the incoming administration. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg have engaged with Trump, while Google CEO Sundar Pichai is reportedly planning to meet with him. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed support for Trump’s leadership in technological progress. Donations to inaugural committees are common for businesses aiming to establish good relations with new administrations.

Amazon previously donated to Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, but did not contribute to Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration due to the administration's policy against tech company donations. Trump is offering perks to donors contributing at least $1 million, including event tickets and dinners with key figures. Despite past conflicts with Trump, Bezos has praised his election victory, and Amazon’s stock has risen since the election. The Washington Post, owned by Bezos, refrained from endorsing a candidate in the recent election, a decision seen as an effort to avoid conflict with Trump.

Key takeaways:

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  • Amazon and Meta are each donating $1 million to Donald Trump's inaugural fund as he prepares to enter office for a second time.
  • Several tech leaders, including Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, are engaging with Trump, possibly seeking favorable treatment for their businesses.
  • OpenAI CEO Sam Altman supports Trump, citing his potential leadership in technological progress and the age of AI.
  • Amazon's stock has increased by 14% since Trump's election victory, and the company is offering significant donations to his inaugural committee.
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