Trump’s Inauguration Pulls in Record-Breaking $239 Million
Former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines again—this time not for a speech or policy, but for pulling off the most expensive inauguration in American history.
According to newly released campaign filings, the January swearing-in event brought in a jaw-dropping $239 million—more than twice the amount raised for Trump’s 2017 ceremony.
The fundraising list read like a who’s who of the corporate and tech world. Big names like Microsoft, Airbnb, McDonald’s, Amazon, Meta, and JP Morgan Chase all chipped in, with several donating over $1 million each. Even OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman joined the donor lineup with a $1 million contribution.
By comparison, the celebration for Trump’s first term brought in $107 million, while President Joe Biden’s 2021 inauguration reportedly raised about $61 million. The latest figure leaves both of those in the dust.
Worth noting—over $6 million in contributions were later returned, but the final total still marks a new high.
Billionaire Row and Big Tech Presence
The January event wasn’t just about fireworks and formalities. It drew a high-powered crowd of elite business leaders and tech moguls. Eyewitnesses and online commentators noted that nearly a dozen billionaires were in attendance, collectively representing close to $1 trillion in net worth—about as much as Switzerland’s entire economy.
Seated close to the action were some of the most recognizable faces in tech and business: Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Google’s Sundar Pichai, Apple’s Tim Cook, and Tesla’s Elon Musk—all watching as Trump took the oath once again.
Behind the Numbers
By law, inaugural committees have to disclose any donations of $200 or more. Foreign nationals aren’t allowed to contribute, but the financial flood came from plenty of domestic heavyweights across industries.
What this means for the future of political fundraising is still up for debate, but one thing’s clear—when it comes to drawing a crowd and opening checkbooks, Trump knows how to put on a show.
