By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The gay man is donating from personal funds, according to reports.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, one of the world’s most prominent out gay business leaders, is personally donating $1 million to President-elect Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration fund, Axiosreports. Apple itself will not contribute as a company.
Cook joins a growing list of high-profile CEOs contributing to Trump’s inauguration. Axios reports that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman have each pledged $1 million, with Uber standing out by donating $2 million. Other major companies and Wall Street firms, including Toyota, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America, are also making significant contributions.
Related: Gay CEOs Tim Cook and Sam Altman look to be already cozying up to Donald Trump
After the election, the Wall Street Journal reported that Cook has long prioritized direct engagement with political leaders. During Trump’s first term, Cook built a personal relationship with the president, frequently meeting one-on-one and focusing on specific issues to ensure productive discussions.
In 2019, Cook successfully lobbied the Trump administration to scale back tariffs on Chinese imports, which would have increased the cost of Apple products. Trump publicly praised Cook for his approach, calling him “a great executive” who effectively navigated complex political dynamics.
The Wall Street Journal also noted that Cook’s strategy could be a model for other executives navigating Trump’s administration.
Cook’s donation highlights his continued focus on building relationships with key decision-makers, which has proven successful for Apple. It is not uncommon for powerful business leaders to donate to an incoming president’s inauguration. NBC News reported that Ford donated $1 million to Trump’s second inaugural and provided a fleet of vehicles for use around the festivities.
