President-elect Donald Trump’s inaugural committee has shattered fundraising records, gathering over $170 million for the 2025 inauguration. This amount, already more than double the $62 million raised by President Joe Biden in 2021, reflects significant support from high-profile donors, including major technology companies, according to a report by the Associated Press (AP).
Sources close to the fundraising effort, though unauthorized to speak publicly, revealed that the total could exceed $200 million before the campaign concludes. Despite repeated inquiries, Trump’s inaugural committee has not commented on the specifics of the donations or how they will be allocated.
Historically, private donations for inaugurations cover costs like the swearing-in ceremony, parade, and inaugural balls. Leftover funds are often directed toward presidential libraries or other initiatives.
Records show that Trump’s fundraising power is not new. His first inauguration in 2016 raised a then-record $107 million. With Republicans now controlling both houses of Congress, many donors appear eager to strengthen ties with the incoming administration.
Among the contributors, Amazon and Meta (Facebook’s parent company) pledged $1 million each last month. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has also committed a personal donation of $1 million.
| Trump’s Fundraising Milestones | Amount Raised |
|---|---|
| 2025 Inauguration (so far) | $170 million (expected $200M) |
| Biden’s 2021 Inauguration | $62 million |
| Trump’s 2016 Inauguration | $107 million |
Private fundraising for political events remains a contentious topic. Critics argue it allows large corporations to curry favor with administrations, while proponents view it as a sign of robust democratic participation.
With this unprecedented financial backing, Trump’s 2025 inauguration promises to be one of the most elaborate in history, even as questions linger about the influence of corporate donations on policymaking.
