Trump inaugural fund set to break record as businesses scramble to curry favor
The IndependentSign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Donald Trump-JD Vance inaugural committee is projected to raise more than $150 million, breaking the previous $107 million inauguration fundraising record, set at Trump’s first inauguration. The inauguration donations aren’t bound by normal campaign finance laws, and donations above $1 million reportedly include tickets to pre-ceremony events, including a black tie ball, a reception with cabinet nominees, and a dinner with Donald and Melania Trump. High-level donations to Trump inauguration reportedly come with access to exclusive events with administration officials “One of the oldest adages in Washington is that if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu, and the price of admission to have a seat at the table keeps going up,” Michael Beckel, research director at advocacy group Issue One, told CNBC. Industry leaders are likely discussing Trump’s many plans to issue sweeping tariffs against major U.S. trading partners like China, Canada, and Mexico, policies that economists say would likely raise prices for U.S. firms and consumers on everything from electronics components to oil.