

Corporate America's Embrace of Trump 2.0
107 snips Jan 17, 2025
Chip Cutter, a WSJ reporter covering corporate America's ties to politics, discusses major companies' strategies as they prepare for a potential second Trump administration. He highlights the surge in donations to Trump's inauguration fund, revealing motivations for influence and access. Cutter explains the evolution of corporate attitudes toward Trump, from initial skepticism to direct engagement strategies. He sheds light on CEOs gathering at Mar-a-Lago and the retreat from DEI initiatives, illustrating the complexity of navigating such political landscapes.
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Corporate Donations to Trump's Inauguration
- Many companies donated to Trump's inauguration fund after his victory.
- Some, like McDonald's, Toyota, Boeing, and Meta, each gave $1 million.
Motivations Behind Donations
- Companies are donating to gain access and influence with the new administration.
- This includes attendance at events like a candlelit dinner with Trump.
Initial Corporate Response to Trump
- Many business leaders initially lacked a relationship with Trump and were unsure of what to expect.
- Early clashes arose over Trump's immigration policies and his response to Charlottesville.