Amazon, Meta Donate $1M Each to Trump's Inauguration Fund, Signal Policy Outreach

Dec 13, 2024, 04:00 AM

Amazon and Meta Platforms Inc. have each pledged to donate $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration fund, marking a significant shift in their relationship with the incoming administration. Amazon's donation includes an additional in-kind contribution by streaming the inauguration on its Prime Video service, also valued at $1 million. The moves come as tech giants seek to mend ties with Trump, who has historically been critical of Silicon Valley. Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder, and Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, have both expressed optimism about Trump's second term, with Bezos endorsing Trump's plans to cut regulations. The donations follow private meetings between Trump and tech leaders, including Zuckerberg and Google's Sundar Pichai, indicating a strategic outreach to influence policy that could impact their business models. Trump has previously criticized Bezos for his ownership of The Washington Post, and Zuckerberg for perceived bias against him. However, both tech leaders have shown a willingness to engage with Trump, with Zuckerberg meeting him at Mar-a-Lago and Bezos planning to visit Trump next week. Trump has also praised Bezos' response to his first assassination attempt, and Zuckerberg has voiced support for Trump's economic plans.