How Big Tech Is Working to Stay in Trump’s Good Graces – The Inside Story

With Donald Trump back in the White House, major technology companies are adjusting their approach to maintain a favorable relationship with his administration. Companies like Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon are making strategic moves to align with Trump’s priorities and avoid regulatory pressure.

From committing billions to U.S. manufacturing to rolling back diversity programs and making key leadership changes, Silicon Valley is taking a different path than in Trump’s first term.

Apple and TSMC Expand U.S. Investments

Apple is reinforcing its commitment to domestic manufacturing with a $500 billion investment in U.S. projects that include:

• Sourcing AI hardware from Texas-based factories for its Apple Intelligence platform.

• Increasing Apple TV+ production to bring more entertainment jobs to the U.S.

• Doubling its Advanced Manufacturing Fund from $5 billion to $10 billion to support American suppliers.

Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, successfully built a working relationship with Trump during his first term, securing exemptions from tariffs on Chinese imports. By continuing this approach, Apple is ensuring it remains in a strong position while maintaining its global operations.

Meanwhile, TSMC is committing $100 billion to new semiconductor plants in Arizona. This aligns with Trump’s push for domestic chip production, which could help the company secure government support and future contracts.

Google Adjusts Policies to Align with Trump’s Priorities

Google, which had tensions with Trump in the past, is making clear changes to avoid becoming a target. The company has:

• Renamed the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" on Google Maps, a decision that reflects a nationalistic approach in line with Trump’s views.

• Reduced its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, following Trump’s executive order limiting such initiatives.

• Modified its AI policy, removing a restriction that previously prevented Google from working on AI applications for military use.

These adjustments indicate that Google is focused on maintaining a neutral stance and ensuring it stays on the administration’s good side while continuing its expansion in AI and cloud computing.

Meta Brings in Trump Allies and Changes Course

Mark Zuckerberg is also taking steps to improve Meta’s relationship with Trump, making key decisions that include:

• Appointing UFC CEO and Trump supporter Dana White to Meta’s board, strengthening ties with influential figures close to Trump.

• Ending Meta’s fact-checking program, replacing it with a more open Community Notes system similar to X (formerly Twitter).

• Scaling back moderation policies on immigration and gender topics, aligning more with Trump’s campaign positions.

• Moving parts of Meta’s trust and safety team from California to Texas, addressing concerns about potential bias in content moderation.

Zuckerberg had a challenging relationship with Trump during his first term, but these steps suggest he is working to avoid further conflicts and reduce government scrutiny of Meta’s business practices.

Amazon and Jeff Bezos Take a Different Approach

Unlike Apple and Meta, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos is working behind the scenes to navigate Trump’s return.

• The Washington Post, which Bezos owns, has noticeably shifted its editorial stance, avoiding an endorsement of Kamala Harris and focusing more on free markets and personal liberties.

• Amazon’s cloud division (AWS) remains a key government contractor, making it important for the company to maintain a neutral stance with the administration.

• Bezos’ space company, Blue Origin, is competing for government space contracts, and a positive relationship with Trump could help secure funding.

While Amazon faced criticism from Trump in the past, Bezos seems to be taking a quieter, strategic approach this time around.

Microsoft and Nvidia Engage with the Administration

Microsoft and Nvidia are also working to stay in good standing with Trump’s White House, though with less public attention than some of their peers.

• Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella met with Trump in January to discuss the company’s AI investments and expansion in cloud computing.

• Microsoft President Brad Smith has been lobbying for changes to export rules, which would allow U.S. tech firms to expand data centers in countries like Poland, Israel, and Saudi Arabia.

• Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang met with Trump to discuss semiconductor policies, including concerns over new export restrictions and the proposed 25% tariff on chips.

These efforts show that both companies are being proactive in working with the administration while continuing their global expansion.

Will These Efforts Protect Big Tech from Regulatory Challenges?

Big Tech companies are making calculated decisions to stay on the administration’s good side, but there are still risks ahead:

• Regulatory scrutiny remains high, especially with Trump’s continued focus on antitrust enforcement.

• Trade policies could impact business operations, particularly for companies like Nvidia and TSMC that depend on global supply chains.

• Public reaction could be a factor, as shifts in policy might lead to backlash from employees and customers.

A Washington policy analyst summed it up:
"In D.C., you’re either at the table or on the menu. Tech companies are making sure they have a seat at the table."

The next four years will determine whether these strategies help the industry avoid government conflicts or if new challenges emerge along the way.

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