Top executives from major corporations, including Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon, have converged to meet with President-elect Donald Trump, in what many are describing as a calculated move to secure favorable relations with his incoming administration.
The surge of high-profile meetings, donations, and public endorsements has led to the week being dubbed “The Week CEOs Bent the Knee to Trump,” a term popularized by The Wall Street Journal.
Apple CEO Tim Cook attended a dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last night, concluding a series of meetings that included Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is scheduled to meet with Trump next week. Simultaneously, several tech and financial firms, including OpenAI, Amazon, and Meta, have each donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman voiced his support in a statement: “President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead.”
These engagements coincide with a financial market rally, spurred by what analysts call the “Trump trade,” which has driven optimism in stocks, cryptocurrencies, and tech investments. Earlier this week, Trump rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange, receiving applause from Wall Street leaders under a large portrait of himself as TIME Magazine’s “Person of the Year.”
“Markets are clearly signaling confidence in Trump’s pro-business policies, and CEOs are ensuring they remain part of the conversation,” said financial analyst Kevin Draper.
The unexpected alignment between corporate leaders and Trump represents a significant shift, particularly among tech executives who previously distanced themselves during the campaign. According to The Wall Street Journal, CEOs are “leaving nothing to chance” as they seek to align Trump’s policy agenda with their industries’ priorities.
During Trump’s NYSE visit, dozens of senior executives, including representatives from Visa, Goldman Sachs, Charles Schwab, and Citadel, gathered to show their support. Notable attendees included real estate mogul Robert Bigelow and investor Bill Ackman.
Bill Ackman, a prominent Trump ally, praised the president-elect’s economic vision as “a game-changer.”
Interestingly, several tech leaders who were once vocal critics of Trump’s policies have now made a noticeable shift, offering donations and endorsements. According to The New York Times, this pivot reflects a deliberate strategy to ensure their companies remain well-positioned under the new administration.
“This week has shown that even the most progressive leaders in Silicon Valley recognize the need to engage with Trump’s agenda,” said Teddy Schleifer, a tech journalist.
Trump’s pro-business agenda and commitment to advancing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence suggest a possible shift toward regulatory and policy frameworks that prioritize innovation and investment. However, critics caution that this growing alignment between corporations and the incoming administration may raise questions about maintaining a fair balance between private sector influence and public interests.
As Trump builds momentum leading up to his inauguration, corporate America’s stance is unmistakable: they are eager to collaborate with him—and, just as significantly, to secure his support for their priorities.
