John,

Trump’s record-shattering $170 million inauguration fund has long been shrouded in secrecy, but our latest report, developed using public interviews with Trump inauguration donors, reveals a troubling pattern: billionaire donors and corporate giants used this unregulated pay window to secure influence over one of the most corrupt presidencies in American history.

From cryptocurrency firms to Big Tech, the donor list to Trump’s inauguration reads like a who’s who of special interests looking to cash in on Trump’s policies.[1]

The CEO of Ripple, a major cryptocurrency firm, said his company contributed $5 million—the single largest known donation—to stave off regulations in a rapidly expanding industry. Apple, Google, Microsoft, and General Motors each pledged $1 million—and each reaped billions in savings under Trump’s tax scam with hopes for much more to come. Even hedge fund titan Ken Griffin and OpenAI CEO Sam Altma—both billionaires—threw in $1 million apiece to ensure their interests are protected while working families are left behind.

We cannot let this stand. Congress must act to investigate Trump’s nearly $200 million inauguration fund and ask what these rich donors are getting in return. Preserving trust in our democracy requires us to protect against billionaires and corporations that are buying political favors, including a renewed Trump tax scam.

Demand the House Oversight Committee launch a full investigation into Trump’s inauguration fund today.

This record-breaking inauguration fund sets a dangerous precedent, allowing billionaires and even foreign entities to buy access to power.

In 2017, we saw how Trump’s inaugural committee directed over $1 million to his own Trump International Hotel, raising serious concerns about self-dealing and corruption. And corporations that donated millions to his previous $100 million fund were rewarded with massive tax breaks, while working families were left behind.

It’s clear that once again, billionaires are buying access, corporations are buying favors, and foreign actors could be purchasing influence. Inaugural committees should not become pay-to-play slush funds, but Trump has turned his into a haven for corruption. This fight is about restoring integrity to our democracy.

If Congress doesn’t act, Trump will escape accountability for turning his likely $200 million inauguration fund into an operation that caters to billionaires and special interests.

Sign now to demand Congress investigate Trump’s nearly $200 million inauguration fund.

Thank you for taking action to defend our democracy. Together, we can expose corruption and prevent this dangerous trend from continuing.

David Kass
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund