14 DAY TRIAL // Tech giants in the United States have joined forces to fight US President Donald Trump’s travel ban, but it looks like almost each of them donated money and services to the inauguration party.
A Politico report reveals that Microsoft contributed with one of the biggest amounts of money, as the software giant donated no less than $250,000 in cash, plus the same amount in technical services to the Presidential Inaugural Committee. The donations were made on December 28, according to the source.
Google itself also donated cash, although the exact amount hasn’t been disclosed, as well as services, such as a live stream on YouTube that allowed users across the world to watch Trump’s inauguration. Facebook also chipped in, not with cash but with services, including Instagram photo booths during the inauguration party.
At first glance, it’s not difficult to figure out why these companies have decided to donate money and technical services to the Inaugural Committee, especially because President Donald Trump announced on several occasion measures that would impact the tech industry in the United States.
Microsoft standing for diversity and inclusion
Apple has been one particular target for Trump, with Cupertino often blamed for building its products, such as the iPhone, overseas and not investing more money in production capabilities based in the United States. Donald Trump even discussed the possibility of domestic production of the iPhone in the States with Apple CEO Tim Cook, and talks are believed to still be under way, with the US President promising a series of incentives.
It’s not known, however, if Apple also donated money or services to Trump’s inauguration, but more information should surface in the coming weeks, as the inaugural committee has to report its fundraising activities 90 days after the inauguration itself.
Although tech companies could be accused of donating money in exchange for influence, what raises more questions is that most of them, including Microsoft, condemned Trump’s travel ban affecting visa holders in a number of Muslim-majority countries, promising to fight for employees that might be affected. The Redmond-based software giant itself filed legal documents against Trump’s order and provided legal assistance to employees. CEO Satya Nadella told employees that Microsoft stands against the ban, promising full focus on diversity and inclusion.
“There is no place for bias or bigotry in any society, in any context. That’s where we start from. We will always as a company stand for that diversity and inclusion,” Satya Nadella said.
We’ve reached out to Microsoft for a statement on this and to get more information on its donations to the inauguration and we’ll update the article when a response is offered.