Major Automakers Pledge $1M Each for Trump’s Inauguration

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his second inauguration, major automakers General Motors, Ford, and Toyota have pledged $1 million each to support the event, signaling growing corporate interest in aligning with Trump’s administration.

The automakers join a slew of other corporate giants contributing to Trump’s inauguration, a ceremony expected to surpass the $107 million raised for his first inauguration in 2017. Toyota, the Japanese-based automaker, confirmed its donation in a statement to the New York Post. Ford and GM made similar announcements earlier this week.

The donations come as Trump prepares to reintroduce his hardline trade policies, including tariffs aimed at boosting American manufacturing. Automakers like Ford and GM, heavily reliant on U.S. markets and production, are keenly aware of the potential impact of Trump’s policies.

Ford CEO Jim Farley commented on the administration’s likely engagement with the automotive sector, stating, “(Given) Ford’s employment profile and importance in the U.S. economy and manufacturing, you can imagine the administration will be very interested in Ford’s point of view.”

The automakers’ contributions are part of a larger wave of corporate donations. Nearly a dozen companies that previously distanced themselves from Trump after the 2020 election and January 6 events, including AT&T, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs, have also pledged significant support.

Trump’s team has incentivized high-level donations with exclusive perks. Those contributing at least $1 million or raising $2 million can receive tickets to events, including a dinner with Trump and his wife, Melania, as well as a reception featuring cabinet members.

Trump noted the shift in corporate attitudes during a recent press conference, remarking, “Everybody wants to be my friend,” a stark contrast to his first administration when he faced resistance from many in the business world.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich attributed this shift to what he described as “panic” among business leaders who previously opposed Trump. “These guys were all anti-Trump, and they all know he has a great memory, an enormous amount of energy, and is quite prepared to go after people who he thinks are a problem,” Gingrich told Bloomberg.

With inauguration day fast approaching, Trump’s event is on track to eclipse previous records for financial support, further cementing his influence in corporate and political circles.

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