Uber Technologies and its CEO Dara Khosrowshahi each donated $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural fund, a company spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday. The ride-hailing firm joins a roster of major businesses seeking to build positive relationships with the incoming Trump administration following his November election victory.
The donations by Uber and Khosrowshahi were first reported by The Wall Street Journal. Other tech giants, including Amazon and Meta Platforms, also pledged $1 million each to the fund, according to company spokespersons. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced plans for a personal $1 million donation to the inaugural fund, confirmed by an OpenAI spokesperson.
These contributions reflect efforts by leading corporations and executives to engage with the new administration and ensure cooperation on business-related policies. Trump’s presidency signaled potential shifts in regulations affecting technology and transportation sectors, prompting these firms to strengthen their political outreach.
This pattern of corporate giving also highlights a balancing act for large businesses navigating an increasingly polarized political climate. While some companies face backlash for appearing to support conservative policies, others view engagement with policymakers as essential for protecting their interests. For executives, these donations serve both as gestures of goodwill and as strategic investments in potential policy outcomes that could benefit their industries.
