The platforms cash in their chips with Trump
From Meta to Nvidia tech CEOs are paying the president to get the outcomes they want and its working
Meta and Nvidia are among the tech companies reportedly influencing Trump administration policies through financial contributions and personal access. The article reveals how these companies are securing favorable outcomes by engaging in what critics call "pay-to-play" politics.
Meta's FTC Battle
- The FTC's antitrust lawsuit against Meta over its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp is set for trial
- Meta has donated $1 million to Trump's inauguration and $25 million to settle a lawsuit Trump filed against the company
- Trump fired two Democratic FTC commissioners who opposed ending the case prematurely
Read more about Meta's FTC case
Nvidia's Chip Diplomacy
- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang paid $1 million for a dinner with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
- The administration was considering restricting sales of Nvidia's H20 AI chips to China
- After the meeting, the White House reportedly paused these export controls
Details on Nvidia's China chip sales
Broader Pattern of Influence
- Former Facebook executive Chamath Palihapitiya noted the stark difference in access between administrations
- The EU reportedly reduced fines against US tech companies to avoid Trump's retaliation
- Trump's inconsistent policies (harsh tariffs vs. accommodating tech companies) reveal a transactional approach
Key Quotes
"There's not a single person there you can't get on the phone and talk to" - Chamath Palihapitiya on Trump administration access
National Security Concerns
- The article questions whether this pay-to-play dynamic creates vulnerabilities
- Particularly concerning given China's AI ambitions and US export controls
- Trump's reversal on chip restrictions could aid Chinese AI development
The piece paints a picture of a Washington where corporate influence appears to be overriding consistent policy and national security considerations.
About the Author
Dr. Lisa Kim
AI Ethics Researcher
Leading expert in AI ethics and responsible AI development with 13 years of research experience. Former member of Microsoft AI Ethics Committee, now provides consulting for multiple international AI governance organizations. Regularly contributes AI ethics articles to top-tier journals like Nature and Science.