Google, OpenAI, Meta, and others: What’s driving $1M donations to Trump’s inauguration?
(And what does it say about Big Tech in 2025?)
This week, Google announced a $1M donation to President-elect Trump’s inauguration fund.
They’re not alone.
Meta, OpenAI, and even Tim Cook have stepped up with similar contributions.
Why now?
Some say it’s about rebuilding relationships. Others point to the looming antitrust pressures Trump hinted at last year.
(For Google, these are real: ongoing lawsuits alleging monopoly practices are still in play.)
But here’s what stands out:
Tech companies are showing they’re willing to play the game—and they’re playing it boldly.
Let’s not forget:
• A YouTube livestream of the inauguration is happening.
• Google’s homepage will feature a direct link to the event—something it hasn’t done in years.
These moves signal a fascinating dance between power, influence, and public perception.
Is it goodwill or strategy?
Is this about alignment or survival?
One thing’s for sure: Big Tech is leaning into the conversation about what it means to coexist with power.
Do you see this as smart business or a risky bet?