Spotify has made a $150,000 donation to President Donald Trump's inauguration ceremony, held on January 20, 2025. The streaming giant also hosted a pre-inauguration brunch on January 19, featuring prominent podcasters such as Joe Rogan, Ben Shapiro, and Tim Pool. The event aimed to highlight "the power of podcasts in this election."
In a statement, Spotify explained that the donation aligns with its efforts to expand its presence in Washington, D.C., and to further the goals of its platform and creators, regardless of the political party in power. The company emphasised that hosting events in political capitals worldwide is standard practice to advance its policy issues.
This contribution places Spotify among other tech companies that supported the inauguration. Competitors Apple and Amazon each donated $1 million to the event.
The inauguration ceremony featured performances by artists such as Carrie Underwood, Lee Greenwood, and opera singer Christopher Macchio. Leading up to the official event, additional performers, including Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Soulja Boy, Jason Aldean, and the Village People, participated in rally-style events.
Spotify's involvement in the inauguration has sparked discussions about the role of tech companies in political events and the potential implications for their public image. As Spotify continues to navigate its position in the political landscape, stakeholders and users alike are observing how such actions align with the company's stated mission and values.