Bezos and Zuckerberg Donate To Trump’s Inauguration
President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund is drawing high-profile contributions from some of the nation’s most influential tech leaders.
Recent reports reveal that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos have each pledged $1 million to Trump’s fund, signaling an unusual alignment between the tech titans and the incoming administration.
Zuckerberg’s contribution follows a recent dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, reportedly initiated by the Meta CEO himself. According to The New York Times, the meeting allowed Zuckerberg to discuss potential policies that could affect his company, including regulatory challenges and antitrust scrutiny.
A Meta spokesperson emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue with the administration, stating, “Mark was grateful for the invitation to join President Trump for dinner and the opportunity to meet with members of his team about the incoming Administration.”
With Meta facing ongoing antitrust battles and debates over content moderation, Zuckerberg’s donation could be viewed as a calculated move to build goodwill with the administration.
Trump has long criticized Big Tech for alleged bias against conservative voices, and Zuckerberg appears eager to ensure his company’s interests are protected in Trump’s second term.
Bezos, a frequent critic of Trump during his first term, appears to have shifted his tone. Speaking at the New York Times DealBook Summit, Bezos expressed optimism about Trump’s economic agenda, particularly his focus on deregulation. “He seems to have a lot of energy around reducing regulation,” Bezos said, noting that he would support Trump’s efforts to streamline government oversight.
Bezos also suggested that Trump has matured since his first term, describing him as “calmer,” “more confident,” and “more settled.” With Amazon under scrutiny for labor practices, antitrust issues, and its dominant market position, Bezos’ conciliatory approach may reflect a pragmatic effort to influence the administration’s policies in a way that benefits his company.
The donations from Zuckerberg and Bezos highlight a significant shift in tech leaders’ relationship with Trump. During his first term, many in Silicon Valley clashed with the administration over issues ranging from immigration to environmental policy.
Now, with Trump poised to begin his second term, these contributions suggest a more strategic, engagement-focused approach by Big Tech.