The relationship between large technology companies, the so-called big techsand the President of the United States, donald trumphas undergone significant change since his first term. A new report points out that industry giants have allocated hundreds of millions of dollars to support the Republican politically, marking a rapprochement after years of public conflicts and restrictions on digital platforms.
According to a survey by the organization Public Citizen, big techs invested around US$643 million (around R$3.184 billion) in actions that benefited Trump and Republican allies. The study, based on public data and conducted by researcher Rick Claypool, details how these resources were distributed between electoral campaigns, official events and indirect agreements.
How was the money distributed?
Most of the value, approximately US$545 million (R$ 2.701 billion), was directed to electoral spending. This includes donations to the 2024 presidential campaign and to Trump-aligned candidates in the 2026 legislative elections. Part of these resources also financed super PACs favorable to the Republican Party or opposed to the regulation of artificial intelligence.
Among the main donors, Elon Musk stands out, with around US$361 million (R$ 1.787 billion). Another relevant name is investor Jeffrey Yass, linked to ByteDance, who contributed US$116 million (R$574.4 million).
Furthermore, US$35 million (R$173.3 million) were allocated to Trump’s inauguration ceremony in January 2025. The event raised more than US$240 million (around R$1.2 billion), more than double the previous record. The so-called “non-electoral gifts” totaled US$73 million (R$361.5 million), including commercial agreements and legal resolutions.
During his first term, Trump had direct conflicts with companies such as Meta, Google and Twitter (currently X), even being banned from these platforms. Now, the relationship has evolved into a scenario described as closer and more strategic.
According to Andressa Michelotti, a researcher at UFMG specialized in regulating big techs, the interaction between government and companies oscillates between coexistence and “symbiosis”. The change would have been influenced by three main factors.
One of them was Joe Biden’s administration, which advanced proposals to regulate digital platforms. This movement encouraged companies to seek greater alignment with the next government. Another point was the adaptation of companies to Trump’s form of political communication.
“They understood how to communicate with him”, stated Michelotti, highlighting internal changes in companies, such as adjustments in government relations teams.
Strategic adjustments and common interests
The report also highlights practical changes adopted by companies such as Amazon, Apple, Meta and Google. These include changes to content policies, adjustments to digital services and review of initiatives related to diversity.
Big techs include companies like Google, Apple, Meta and Amazon – Image: Koshiro K / ShutterstockAnother factor cited is the role of artificial intelligencewhich began to align interests between government and companies, especially in the technological dispute with China.
Despite the impressive numbers, the study itself indicates that the total amount may be conservative, as not all forms of support are easily measurable.
Source: www.olhardigital.com.br
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