The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Jan. 15, 2025
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
Donald Trump’s inaugural committee has received $170 Million dollars in contributions, and it’s expected to reach $200 Million – almost double his 2017 total.
Yes, the contributions pay for the inaugural balls, but inaugural funds are also a vehicle for corporate “pay to play” contributions, currying favor for federal contracts, lenient legislation, or access to the President.
The Associated Press reported January 9th that the totals were far beyond President Trump’s $107 Million in 2017, and President Biden’s $62 Million in 2021.
The Federal Election Commission oversees inaugural contributions, and any donation of $200 or more must be reported – but 90 days after the contribution is made and long after the spotlight is gone. There are no individual or corporate contribution limits, and only foreign nationals are barred from donating.
Among the known 2024 inaugural donors, Amazon, Meta, Open AI Toyota, Ford General Motors and Boeing all made public statements when they donated $1 Million each. Banking, pharmaceutical, and communications companies contributed seven figures, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Energy company Chevron said in a statement to Reuters, “Chevron has a long tradition of celebrating democracy by supporting the inaugural committees of both parties.” Or perhaps, they’re sending a message to someone.
We have more on the pay-to-play history of inaugurations at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Federal Election Commission – Funding inaugural committee activities
National Archives – Federal Code § 104.21 Reporting by inaugural committees.
CNN/AP – Trump’s inaugural committee has already raised a record $170 million in donations
Federal Election Commission – Inaugural committee reporting
Open Secrets – First Trump Administration: 2017 Inauguration Donors
Courthouse News – (2017) Trump Inaugural Committee Reported to FEC for Violations
Open Secrets – (2019) – Shining a light on inaugural committees
Open Secrets – (2019) – Companies that funded Trump’s inauguration came up big in 2017
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause, Public Citizen, C.R.E.W.
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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