7am 'Everyone wants to be my friend': The people paying millions for access to Trump
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Jan 19, 2025 Craig Holman, a Capitol Hill lobbyist for Public Citizen, discusses the astounding $200 million raised for Donald Trump's inauguration, breaking fundraising records. He reveals how billionaires and companies are funding this event not just for the celebration but to gain access to the president. Holman delves into the ethical implications of private donations and how they can influence policy decisions. The conversation also highlights the motivations behind these enormous contributions, particularly from sectors like cryptocurrency and tech.
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Record-Breaking Inauguration Fund
- Trump's inauguration fund is record-breaking, exceeding $200 million, surpassing his previous record of $107 million in 2017.
- There's limited oversight on spending, with only two rules: no foreign contributions and donor disclosure 90 days post-inauguration.
Exclusive Inaugural Activities
- Inaugural activities mainly consist of exclusive parties and dinners for wealthy donors, with tiered access based on donation amounts.
- A new "One America, One Light Sunday Service" allows $100,000+ donors to pray with Trump.
Donors and Their Interests
- Public Citizen identified 31 donors, each pledging $1 million or more, all having business interests before the Trump administration.
- Top donor groups include cryptocurrency, big tech (Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, OpenAI), and Wall Street (Goldman Sachs, Bank of America).