Andi’s Writeup
Tim Cook will personally donate $1 million to Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration fund, joining other tech leaders making similar contributions1,2. The donation comes from Cook’s personal funds, not from Apple, which is not expected to make a contribution3.
Cook met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in December 2024, continuing their relationship from Trump’s first term4. According to Axios, Cook believes "the inauguration is a great American tradition, and is donating to the inauguration in the spirit of unity"2.
Other major tech figures making $1 million donations include Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman5. Companies like Toyota, Ford, GM, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America are also contributing1. Donors giving $1 million receive high-level access to Trump and his inner circle, including tickets to eight inaugural events and a private dinner with Trump and Melania on January 191.
The inaugural committee aims to raise over $150 million, which would break the previous record of $107 million set at Trump’s 2017 inauguration6. The inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 20257.
Footnotes
1- Variety, 2025-01-03
2- The Verge, 2025-01-03
3- MacRumors, 2025-01-03
4- 9to5Mac, 2025-01-03
5- CBS News
6- The Independent
7- LiveMint
Thats what I am wondering. If so, its just standard lobbyism. If not, its time for me to continue not buying apple products. (And the others)
“Standard lobbyism” towards fascists still puts them in a reprehensible club along with all those companies that collaborated with the Nazis. It matters who you’re paying.