US President Donald Trump’s inaugural committee raised an unprecedented $239 million for the events surrounding his 2025 swearing-in — shattering past records and drawing scrutiny over the outsize influence of billionaires and corporate giants.
According to a Federal Election Commission filing, the top donor was Colorado-based poultry giant Pilgrim’s Pride, which contributed $5 million. Major cryptocurrency players Ripple Labs and Robinhood followed with donations of $4.9 million and $2 million, respectively.
Several top donors have since been tapped for prominent government posts. Arkansas financier Warren Stephens, who gave $4 million, was nominated as US ambassador to the UK, while billionaire Jared Isaacman — awaiting Senate confirmation to lead NASA — contributed $2 million. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also appeared on the donor list with $1 million and $250,000 contributions, respectively.
Among corporate donors, Meta and Amazon each gave $1 million, reportedly securing prime seats at the January 20 ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda for CEOs Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos. Chipmaker Nvidia, facing trade restrictions with China, also gave $1 million.
The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee reported taking in $245.3 million and refunding just over $6 million. Roughly 60% of the total came from more than 130 individual million-dollar donations, underscoring the heavy reliance on high-dollar donors to finance the lavish events.
Notably, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, hedge fund manager Paul Singer, and Trump political ally Miriam Adelson were among those contributing $1 million personally.
Steve Kerrigan, who produced inaugural events for Barack Obama and Joe Biden, said Trump’s figures are far beyond what is required. “There’s simply no need for that level of spending unless it’s intended to buy access,” he told CNN.
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Pope Leo has expressed the Vatican’s readiness to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to a statement released by the Holy See on Wednesday (July 9). The offer came during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The European Union is stepping up its health crisis preparedness by stockpiling essential medical supplies and boosting coordination among member states.
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged stronger sanctions and defence support for Ukraine as the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia nears approval.
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A deadly mass shooting early on Monday (7 July) in Philadelphia's Grays Ferry neighbourhood left three men dead and nine others wounded, including teenagers, as more than 100 shots were fired.
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President Trump announced steep new tariffs on six more countries starting 1 August, intensifying his push for what he calls "fair trade" amid rising global tensions.
Finland and Lithuania are set to begin domestic production of anti-personnel landmines next year after announcing plans to quit the Ottawa Convention, citing the threat from Russia.
Pope Leo has expressed the Vatican’s readiness to host peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, according to a statement released by the Holy See on Wednesday (July 9). The offer came during his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Russia accuses Ukraine of repeatedly using anti-personnel mines on civilians and says Kyiv’s recent withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention will not change the conflict dynamics.
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