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 the total fundraising is expected to set a historical record; ② Trump boasts that everyone wants to be his friend, while his assistant says that donations also provide an opportunity for executives who were previously disloyal to apologize; ③ It is reported that those who donate 1 million USD or raise 2 million USD will receive six event tickets to participate in a series of events arranged by the Trump team.
On December 26, Financial Network reported (editor: Ma Lan) that as the inauguration ceremony of the soon-to-be president Trump approaches, more and more business leaders are trying to "add more luster" by making public donations to Trump at the last opportunity.
It is reported that this year Trump's inauguration ceremony has received countless donations from CEOs, including Bezos of Amazon, Altman of OpenAI, and Zuckerberg of Meta. Additionally, hedge fund managers and senior executives from Autos companies are also generously contributing, hoping to gain favor with the new government led by Trump.
This trend is expected to make this year's Trump inauguration ceremony's total fundraising reach a new historical high, approaching 0.15 billion USD, surpassing the 0.107 billion USD record set during Trump's first term.
These donations are not subject to campaign finance laws, thus some are referring to it as Trump's second "inaugural fund." Compared to Trump's campaign donations, the contributions for the inauguration ceremony have a significantly lower risk since Trump's political future is already determined. This gives many elites who did not bet on Trump during the campaign a chance to make amends.
An opportunity for apology.
Trump boasted on Thursday in a Post that everyone wants to be his friend. Considering Trump is about to become the president of the USA, this statement clearly seems extremely correct at this moment.
In addition to donations, many executives from the US industry and financial sectors have already gone or plan to go to Trump's private residence, which is also the office center of his transition team - Mar-a-Lago, in order to gain influence and connect with the new government that may shake international trade norms.
Brendan Glavin, research director at the non-profit organization OpenSecrets, stated that Trump's inauguration committee provided an excellent opportunity for executives to appease the new government, as appeasement serves both as a defense mechanism and a charm offensive, since these individuals do not want to become Trump's "punching bag" in the next four years.
Political strategists have gone further, suggesting that companies clean up any content on their websites or corporate policies that may have been associated with the Democrats, such as condemning violent actions after the 2021 Capitol riots and pledging support for the peaceful transition of democracy and power as part of their "justice statements."
Interestingly, companies that previously announced a suspension of political donations due to the Capitol riots have quietly donated millions to Trump, including Ford, Toyota, and Nippecraft, among this group of "backtracked" companies.
Trump's aides stated that fundraising is not about the money, but rather a symbolic way for these business people to apologize for their previous disloyalty.
Of course, the Trump team also prepared a plethora of additional activities for "good-hearted individuals." It is reported that donors who contribute $1 million or raise $2 million will receive six tickets to a series of events before Trump's inauguration, including receptions attended by cabinet members, a candlelight dinner with Trump and Melania, and a formal ball.
