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 have concerns about corruption.
Apple didn't donate to the inauguration directly. Image source: Apple
It's been no secret that tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon are concerned about how the incoming administration will view so-called "big tech." Many major tech companies have contributed at least $1 million to the Trump inauguration fund, and many CEOs and billionaires will be present, which is a departure from previous inaugurations.
According to a report from The Verge, the significance of unusually large donations for this presidency isn't lost on US Senator Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bennet. They question the motive behind the donations and worry that it is a sign of corruption.
"You have a clear and direct interest in obtaining favors from the incoming administration: your company and many other Big Tech donors are already the subject of ongoing federal investigations and regulatory actions," the lawmakers write. "These donations raise questions about corruption and the influence of corporate money on the Trump administration, and Congress and the public deserve answers."
Data shows that previous donations were significantly smaller by comparison for the Biden inauguration four years ago. Meta didn't donate at all, Google provided $337,500, and Apple donated only $43,200.
It is worth noting that this scrutiny from senators may be one of the several reasons why Apple CEO Tim Cook donated the $1 million personally from his funds. Apple hasn't contributed any of its finances to the inauguration fund.
There are sure to be conspiracy theories around the sum of $1 million appearing on every big tech donation check. One could even call back to that scene in "Austin Powers" where Dr. Evil is laughed out of the room for asking for such an absurdly low ransom for the world.
However, instead of paying ransoms, big tech appears to be paying for favors from the incoming administration. It's no secret that lawmakers around the world, including in the United States, have been scrutinizing and regulating big tech at an increased rate.
There's no way of knowing how the donations and attendance to the inauguration will affect Trump, if at all. Some have even gone so far as to change their company policy and throw parties to celebrate the incoming administration.
It was learned very quickly during the first Trump term that flattery went a long way. Tim Cook kept that in mind when attending dinners and meetings, or making phone calls directly to Trump.
Flattery and citizen outcries may also be what lead to the TikTok ban enforcement being delayed, and ultimately, overturned.
It isn't clear what the senators intend to do about this. They ask for a response from the tech companies by January 30.