Former President Donald Trump won the United States presidential election on November 5, 2024, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump, who is set to become the 47th president of the US, secured a decisive victory over his closest rival, Harris, the Democratic candidate.
As tradition dictates, Trump will be inaugurated as president and officially assume office on Monday, January 20, 2025.
In anticipation of the inauguration, several tech billionaires have begun pledging contributions to Trump’s inauguration fund.
These donation announcements are coming at a time when the tech industry is grappling with complex relationships involving government policies that directly impact its operations.
Before Trump emerged as president-elect, many tech leaders were hesitant to publicly support him, particularly in the wake of the January 6 Capitol riots, which resulted in some social media companies suspending his accounts.
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However, the recent donation pledges indicate a strategic shift, with these leaders seemingly aiming to repair strained relations and safeguard their interests in a potential Trump-led administration.
In this article, Tribune Online takes a look at the list of tech billionaires who have announced plan to contribute to Trump’s inauguration fund so far.
1. Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta (the parent company of Facebook and Instagram), has confirmed a $1 million donation to Trump’s inaugural fund.
According to BBC, the company confirmed its million-dollar donation to the inaugural fund to several outlets on Wednesday.
This contribution follows reports that Zuckerberg spent time at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, reportedly to strengthen ties with the incoming administration.
Historically, Zuckerberg has faced criticism from Trump, who has used derogatory nicknames for him and accused Facebook of suppressing conservative voices.
2. Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, has announced a plan to donate $1 million to the inauguration fund.
A spokesperson confirmed to CNN on Thursday that the company will also make a $1 million in-kind contribution by streaming the event on its Amazon Video platform.
Despite a turbulent history with Trump, which included public disagreements over Amazon’s business practices and accusations of tax evasion, Bezos seems to be seeking a more cooperative relationship with the new administration.
Reports suggest that Bezos plans to meet with Trump soon to discuss potential collaborations, particularly in areas where Amazon and the government intersect, such as government contracts and regulatory frameworks.
3. Sam Altman
OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, has announced his intention to personally contribute $1 million to President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration fund.
He has also expressed his support for Trump’s leadership in the field of artificial intelligence, stressing the importance of ensuring that the U.S. remains a leader in AI development.
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