Who Funds the Presidential Inauguration? Major Donors Revealed

The upcoming presidential inauguration of Donald Trump is expected to set new fundraising records, with the inaugural committee projected to raise over $200 million. This amount far exceeds the previous record of $170 million collected during Trump’s inauguration in 2017.

Funding Sources

Significant contributions are coming from tech executives and wealthy investors who seek to establish favorable relationships with the new administration. Donations are typically allocated for various events associated with the inauguration, including the swearing-in ceremony, parades, and inaugural balls.

Comparison to Previous Inaugurations

The fundraising efforts for Trump’s second inauguration surpass the sums raised by past presidents. For instance, when President Joe Biden took office in 2021, his inauguration committee collected $62 million. Trump's first inauguration in 2016 also made headlines for raising over $106 million.

Major Contributors

Among the leading donors are major tech corporations. Amazon and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, have pledged $1 million each. Additionally, individuals like Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, and companies like Google and Microsoft have also committed similar amounts to support the inauguration.

Interestingly, even though Altman has been vocal against Trump in the past, he emphasized the importance of supporting the office of the president. Google has expressed its support by also planning to provide live streaming of the inauguration on YouTube.

Benefits for Donors

For many donors, these contributions are not merely charitable acts; they serve as investments in gaining access to key events and building rapport with the new government. Corporate sponsors and lobbyists often leverage their donations to enhance their influence and improve relationships with incoming leadership.

Event Scheduling

Inaugural events are set to commence on January 17, with certain packages offered to those who have donated significant amounts. These packages may include exclusive access to events like a candlelight dinner with the President and First Lady.

Future Use of Funds

Any excess funds raised by the inaugural committee are anticipated to contribute toward the establishment of a presidential library for Trump, building on practices observed by past presidents.

The inaugural committee must disclose all donations to the Federal Election Commission within 90 days post-inauguration, providing transparency about the funding sources.

funding, donors, inauguration