Apple did not directly donate to the inauguration. Image source: Apple
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Apple may not have donated directly, but CEO Tim Cook joined other big tech companies in donating $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund, and senators are concerned about corruption.
It's no secret that tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are concerned about how the incoming administration will treat so-called “Big Tech.” Many big tech companies have contributed at least $1 million to Trump's inauguration fund, and many CEOs and billionaires will be in attendance, a departure from previous inaugurations.
The significance of the unusually large donations for this presidency has not escaped the attention of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bennet, according to a report from The Verge. They question the motives behind the donations and fear that they are a sign of corruption.
“You have a clear and direct interest in receiving favor from the new administration: Your company and many other Big Tech donors are already the subject of ongoing federal investigations and regulatory actions,” the lawmakers wrote. “These donations raise questions about the corruption and influence of corporate money in the Trump administration, and Congress and the public deserve answers.”
The data show that previous donations were significantly smaller than those from Biden’s inauguration four years ago. Meta didn’t donate at all, Google gave $337,500, and Apple donated only $43,200.
It’s worth noting that this intense scrutiny from senators may be one of several reasons why Apple CEO Tim Cook personally donated $1 million from his foundation. Apple did not contribute any of its own money to the inauguration fund.
There are certainly conspiracy theories surrounding the $1 million figure that appears on every major tech donation check. One might even recall the scene in Austin Powers where Dr. Evil is mocked for asking for such an absurdly low ransom for the world.
However, instead of paying the ransom, big tech companies appear to be paying for favors from the new administration. It is no secret that lawmakers around the world, including the United States, are keeping a close eye on big tech companies and regulating them with increasing intensity.
There is no way to know how, if at all, donations and attendance at the inauguration will affect Trump. Some have even gone so far as to change their company policies and throw parties in honor of the new administration.
It quickly became clear during Trump's first term that flattery goes a long way. Tim Cook kept that in mind when attending dinners and meetings or calling Trump directly.
Flattery and citizen outcry could also lead to the TikTok ban being delayed and eventually overturned.
It's unclear what the senators intend to do about it. They're asking the tech companies to respond by January 30.
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