Google has joined other major tech firms in donating $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s 2025 inaugural fund while navigating ongoing antitrust challenges.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Google has announced a $1 million donation to President-elect Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration fund, joining other tech industry giants in supporting the inaugural events. This move places Google alongside companies such as Meta, Amazon, and Apple, all of which have contributed to the high-profile occasion, which includes ceremonies, galas, and the traditional parade.
Karan Bhatia, Google’s global head of government affairs and public policy, said, “Google is pleased to support the 2025 inauguration, with a livestream on YouTube and a direct link on our homepage. We’re also donating to the inaugural committee.” The tech giant has a history of supporting inaugurations, continuing its tradition by offering a YouTube livestream and homepage link for the event.
Strategic Donations Amidst Regulatory Pressure
Unlike campaign contributions, inaugural donations face no monetary caps, allowing corporations to donate significant sums. Google’s contribution, while generous, comes at a time of strained relations between Trump and the tech sector. Trump has frequently criticized major tech firms, accusing them of stifling competition and curbing free expression.
In a December 4 post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Big Tech has run wild for years, stifling competition in our most innovative sector and, as we all know, using its market power to crack down on the rights of so many Americans, as well as those of Little Tech!”
Trump’s criticism has coincided with legal challenges for Google. In August, a federal judge ruled that the company illegally maintained a monopoly in search and text advertising. A second antitrust case concerning its advertising business concluded in November, with a verdict yet to be announced.
Balancing Tensions and Collaboration
Despite these tensions, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and former Alphabet President Sergey Brin met with Trump after the election. Pichai publicly congratulated Trump on his “decisive victory” in a post on X (formerly Twitter), signaling a willingness to engage with the new administration.
The contribution to Trump’s inauguration fund illustrates Google’s strategic balancing act: maintaining corporate visibility and influence while navigating regulatory pressures. For now, the tech giant joins others in showcasing public support for the incoming administration, as both parties prepare for a pivotal political and economic term.
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