Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration is shaping up to be the most lavish and expensive in U.S. history, thanks to a flood of donations from big businesses that once kept their distance.

As The Gateway Pundit reported, the likes of Amazon, Meta, Ford, and General Motors are among the corporate heavyweights opening their wallets to support the president-elect’s January 20 festivities.

Jan 13, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the field before the College Football Playoff national championship game between the Clemson Tigers and the LSU Tigers at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

These companies, which previously distanced themselves after the January 6 Capitol events, seem eager to secure a seat at the table. For instance, Jeff Bezos’ Amazon and Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta have pledged $1 million each.

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Meanwhile, Ford and General Motors will not only donate $1 million apiece but also provide a fleet of vehicles for the inauguration.

This corporate U-turn highlights the shifting priorities in the business world. After buying into media narratives surrounding the Capitol protests, many companies suspended political donations. Now, with Trump on the brink of reclaiming the White House, they’re scrambling to curry favor.

Trump himself took to Truth Social to gloat, writing, “EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND!!!” And it seems he’s not wrong.

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Executives from these corporations have been making their way to Mar-a-Lago, seeking face time with Trump’s team and hoping to influence his administration’s policies.

With contributions already exceeding $150 million, Trump’s second inauguration is set to blow past the $107 million record his team set in 2017. For comparison, Barack Obama’s inaugurations in 2009 and 2013 raised $53 million and $42 million, respectively. Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration raised $63 million.

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Political reform advocate Michael Beckel summed it up: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu, and the price of admission to have a seat at the table keeps going up.”

Corporations aren’t just being generous—they’re playing a defensive game. Brendan Glavin of OpenSecrets notes, “None of these people… want to be Trump’s punching bag for four years.” It’s a classic mix of self-preservation and influence-buying, as businesses try to avoid being on the receiving end of Trump’s infamous attacks.

Reports suggest that at least 11 major corporations, including Intuit and Stanley Black & Decker, have already ponied up millions. The Wall Street Journal reveals that many senior executives in finance and industry are rushing to Mar-a-Lago, aiming to align with an administration that promises to shake up international trade norms.

This extravagant inauguration, fueled by corporate donations, underscores the political realities of Washington, where access comes at a steep price. Trump’s return to the presidency has business leaders hedging their bets—and spending big to stay in his good graces.

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