Lawmakers Investigate Tech and Crypto Contributions to Trump Inaugural Fund
US Senators Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bennett are investigating donations from tech and crypto companies to Donald Trump’s inauguration fund. They allege these contributions could influence regulatory actions.
Key points include:
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made a personal donation of $1 million to the fund.
- Altman clarified the donation was personal, not corporate.
- Major tech and crypto firms, including Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Ripple, Coinbase, Kraken, Robinhood, and Circle, contributed millions, with crypto firms alone donating around $10 million.
- The senators worry these donations may aim to shape policies favorably for donors.
- Some donor companies are under federal investigation.
- Warren and Bennett requested details about Altman’s donation, including board approval and communication with Trump's team, with a response deadline of January 31, 2025.
Altman confirmed on Twitter that the contribution was personal and not a company decision. This inquiry reflects concerns over corporate influence in politics and governance.