Dem lawmakers send mafia-style threats to tech giants who donated to Trump
Democrat lawmakers are sending mafia-like threats to tech giants who donated to President Donald Trump’s inaugural fund.
Amazon, Meta, Google, Apple, and other Democrat corporate giants have each shelled out $1 million for Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman cut Trump a $1 million check from his personal coffers.
On Friday, Altman revealed that he received a letter from Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) that appeared to contain veiled threats of legislative action for his donation to Trump.
“Big Tech companies have come under increased scrutiny from federal regulators for antitrust violations, violations of privacy, and harms to workers, consumers, and competition,” Warren and Bennet wrote. “At the same time, lawmakers in both parties have voiced support for regulating tech platforms, in recognition that there is currently no comprehensive set of rules for the tech sector. We are concerned that your company and other Big Tech donors are using your massive contributions to the inaugural fund to cozy up to the incoming Trump administration in an effort to avoid scrutiny, limit regulation, and buy favor.
“You have a clear and direct interest in obtaining favors from the incoming administration: your company and many other Big Tech donors are already the subject of ongoing federal investigations and regulatory actions.”
The letter then listed several companies that donated to Trump’s inaugural fund and the investigations they are currently facing from the Biden administration.
Lawmakers demand explanation for support for Trump
“These donations raise questions about corruption and the influence of corporate money on the Trump administration, and Congress and the public deserve answers,” wrote the senators, who then demanded Altman provide detailed information about his company’s decision to donate to Trump, even though it was his personal donation. Warren and Bennet demanded Altman explain the rationale behind his contribution, whether OpenAI’s board was informed and consented to the donation, and whether OpenAI officials had any communications with the Trump transition team.
"[F]unny, they never sent me one of these for contributing to democrats…” Altman posted on X. “[I]t was a personal contribution as you state; [I] am confused about the questions given that my company did not make a decision,” he added in a second post.
