Samsung, Hanwha, and Hyundai Motor were identified as donors to US President Donald Trump’s second inauguration in January 2021, according to a document from the Federal Election Commission.

Samsung Electronics America contributed US$315,000 to the inauguration, an increase from the US$100,000 it donated during Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.

Hanwha Group affiliates, Hanwha Defense USA and Qcells USA, each donated US$500,000, while Hyundai Motor America made a $1 million contribution on January 6, 2021.

The document also showed that Trump’s second inauguration raised a total of US$239 million, more than double the US$107 million raised during his first inauguration.

🔗 Source: The Korea Times

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Record-breaking inaugural fundraising reflects heightened corporate stakes

Trump’s second inauguration fundraising of $239 million more than doubled his first term’s $107 million, setting an unprecedented record for presidential inaugurations 1.

Samsung’s behavior mirrored this trend, increasing its donation from $100,000 in 2017 to $315,000 in 2025, reflecting a broader pattern of corporations significantly increasing their contributions 1.

Beyond Korean firms, 140 donors contributed at least $1 million each to Trump’s latest inauguration, including major tech companies like Meta and Amazon that each donated $1 million 1.

This surge in corporate giving demonstrates how businesses increasingly view inaugural donations as strategic investments rather than ceremonial contributions, especially when facing potential regulatory impacts.

The contrast between earlier inaugurations and the current environment highlights how presidential transitions have evolved into major corporate lobbying opportunities, with companies seeking to secure favorable consideration from incoming administrations.

2️⃣ Korean companies’ donations directly respond to tariff pressures

Korean firms’ increased donations come amid tangible economic threats, with Trump’s 25% tariff on imported vehicles already impacting Hyundai and other automakers, creating immediate pressure to secure more favorable trade terms 2.

Economic analysis shows the potential scale of damage, with tariffs on cars alone potentially reducing South Korea’s exports by $6.4 billion, explaining why Hyundai contributed $1 million to the inauguration 2.

South Korea’s heightened vulnerability stems from its export-dependent economy, with 18% of its total exports going to the United States, making favorable relations with the Trump administration not merely desirable but economically essential 2.