而这一风潮预计将使今年特朗普就职典礼的总募资创下新历史，直逼1.5亿美元，刷新特朗普第一任期时1.07亿美元的纪录。① Business leaders are making donations to Trump's inauguration ceremony, and total fundraising is expected to set a new historical record; ② Trump boasts that everyone wants to be friends with him, while his assistant claims that the donations also provide an apology opportunity to corporate executives who had been disloyal in the past; ③ It is reported that those who donate 1 million USD or raise 2 million USD will receive six tickets to the event and can participate in a series of activities arranged by Trump's team.
As the inauguration of the incoming president Trump approaches, more and more business leaders are trying to add a finishing touch by making public donations to Trump during the last opportunity.
It is reported that this year Trump's inauguration has received countless donations from CEOs, including$Amazon (AMZN.US)$Bezos from Amazon, Altman from OpenAI, and $Meta Platforms (META.US)$ Zuckerberg. In addition, hedge fund managers and executives from Autos companies are generously contributing, hoping to win favor with the new USA government led by Trump.
This trend is expected to make the total fundraising for this year's Trump inauguration ceremony reach a new historical high, approaching 0.15 billion USD, surpassing the 0.107 billion USD record from Trump's first term.
These donations are not subject to campaign finance laws, leading some to refer to them as Trump's second 'inaugural fund'. Compared to Trump's campaign donations, the risks associated with inaugural donations have diminished significantly since Trump's political future has already been determined, giving many elites who didn't bet on Trump during the campaign a chance for redemption.
An opportunity for apology.
Trump boasted in a Post on Thursday that everyone wants to be his friend. Given Trump's imminent presidency, this statement seems undeniably correct at this time.
In addition to donations, many executives from the American industrial and financial sectors have either gone to or plan to visit Trump's private residence, which also serves as the office center for his transition team—Mar-a-Lago, in hopes of gaining influence and connecting with the new government that might shake up international trade norms.
Brendan Glavin, the research director of the nonprofit organization OpenSecrets, stated that Trump's inauguration committee provided executives with an excellent opportunity to win favor with the new government, as appeasement serves both as a defense and a charm offensive since these individuals do not want to become Trump's "punching bag" in the next four years.
Moreover, political strategists have gone further, suggesting that companies clean up any content associated with the Democratic Party on their websites or company policies, such as condemning the violent actions during the Capitol riot in 2021 and pledging to support democracy and the peaceful transition of power through "just statements."
What's more interesting is that the companies that once suspended political donations due to the Capitol riots have quietly donated millions to Trump. $Ford Motor (F.US)$ 、 $Toyota Motor (TM.US)$ Stanley Agriculture Group... are among the companies labeled as "breaking promises and becoming wealthy."
Trump's aides stated that the fundraising is not about money but rather a symbolic way for these businesspeople to apologize for their previous loyalty shortcomings.
Of course, the Trump team also prepared a wealth of additional activities for the "generous souls." It is reported that donors who give $1 million or raise $2 million will receive six tickets to a series of events leading up to Trump's inauguration, including a reception attended by cabinet members, a candlelight dinner with Trump and Melania, and a formal ball.
Editor/rice
