Spotify Faces Scrutiny Over Trump Inauguration Brunch and $150,000 Donation

The streaming giant hosted a high-profile event and contributed to the inaugural fund, citing business interests and platform goals.

Spotify hosted a brunch on January 19, 2025, the day before Donald Trump's second inauguration, to highlight the influence of podcasts during the election.
The event featured prominent figures such as Ben Shapiro and Riley Green, though Joe Rogan, whose Trump interview was Spotify's most listened-to podcast, did not attend.
Spotify confirmed a $150,000 donation to Trump's inaugural fund, describing it as part of efforts to expand its presence in Washington, D.C., and support its creators.
Other tech companies, including Apple and Amazon, made larger contributions, with each donating $1 million to the inauguration ceremony.
The inauguration sparked broader cultural reactions, including criticism of Trump’s executive orders and controversy surrounding Elon Musk's public gestures during the events.