The tech industry finds creative ways to stay relevant in Washington.
From million-dollar pledges to podcast brunches, tech companies are choosing distinct ways to approach Trump’s inauguration. Spotify hosted conservative voices for a Sunday gathering, while Apple and Amazon each contributed $1 million to the inauguration fund.
What Happened at Spotify’s Trump Brunch
Spotify has sponsored a pre-inauguration brunch in Washington D.C. on Sunday, January 19, 2025. This event featured conservative voices including Joe Rogan, Megyn Kelly, Ben Shapiro, and Tim Pool alongside tech executives and political figures.
A Spotify spokesperson described the gathering as “business as usual.”
“It is in line with the work we do in capitals around the world to advance our policy issues, regardless of who is in power.” as mentioned in a Swedish publication Dagens Nyheter.
“Spotify has long hosted events in Washington D.C. and other capitals worldwide, bringing together political leaders, media figures and industry peers from across the political spectrum”
However, recent podcast success influenced this gathering’s timing. It comes as Joe Rogan’s Trump episode became Spotify’s most-listened individual podcast by a “long shot,” according to Chief Public Affairs Officer Dustee Jenkins.
Basically, the company officials celebrated what they called “the power of podcasts in this election.”
Who Donated How Much to the Inauguration
Apple CEO Tim Cook and Amazon each pledged $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund, with Amazon providing additional support through Prime Video streaming.
Major tech companies matched this million-dollar standard. This includes Microsoft, Google, Uber, Adobe, and first-time donor Meta.
On the other hand, cryptocurrency and fintech companies led with larger amounts:
- Ripple contributed $5 million
- Robinhood gave $2 million
- Coinbase matched the $1 million tech industry standard.
Spotify’s $150,000 donation stood notably lower in comparison.
Other companies also donated, which brings the total to a record-breaking $250 million.
Behind the Gestures
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bennet criticized these tech industry donations as attempts to influence policy.
“These donations raise questions about corruption and the influence of corporate money on the Trump administration, and Congress and the public deserve answers.” wrote the senators.
That’s because this industry involvement coincides with ongoing regulatory challenges.
Apple and Amazon, for example, face an antitrust lawsuit filed in 2022 regarding third-party sellers of Apple products on Amazon’s marketplace. After a federal judge ruled against their motions to dismiss in June 2023.
Meanwhile, Spotify’s approach could align with their broader strategy. They spent $1.49 million on lobbying in 2024, which focused on music licensing and copyright issues.
The tech companies, however, characterized their contributions as routine engagements with incoming administrations.