Apple CEO Tim Cook has pledged a $1 million personal donation to President-elect Donald Trump's upcoming inauguration ceremony, according to reports.
The donation comes shortly after Cook dined with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate, marking a continued effort to maintain positive relations between the tech executive and the incoming administration.
Cook joins a growing list of prominent tech industry leaders making substantial contributions to Trump's January 20th inaugural festivities. Other notable donors include OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Amazon, and Meta, each matching Cook's $1 million pledge.
Major automotive companies have also stepped forward with equivalent donations, including Toyota, Ford, and General Motors committing $1 million each. The inaugural committee is expected to surpass $150 million in total fundraising, exceeding the previous record of $107 million set during Trump's first inauguration in 2017.
The wave of corporate support reflects a broader trend of technology companies seeking to establish more constructive relationships with Trump's administration compared to his first term. Industry leaders have increasingly engaged with the President-elect through private meetings and social gatherings at Mar-a-Lago.
Cook's personal contribution, rather than a corporate donation from Apple, demonstrates the executive's individual commitment to fostering dialogue with the incoming administration. The move aligns with Cook's history of maintaining direct communication channels with Trump, including regular meetings and calls during his previous presidency.