Amidst public criticism and antitrust concerns directed at Big Tech, a paradox emerges as U.S. presidential campaigns, led by Biden and Trump, extensively pump millions into the coffers of Silicon Valley. Federal Election Commission records reveal the extensive flow of campaign funds, primarily for digital advertising, highlighting the inevitable reliance on tech giants’ services despite continuous criticisms.
Digital Advertising Dominance
Campaign filings showcase a whopping $80 million in total spending by Biden and Trump in 2023, with a substantial portion allocated to digital advertising, positioning Silicon Valley—home to Facebook and Google—as a major beneficiary.
Big Tech Paradox
Despite Trump’s Truth Social endeavor and both campaigns engaging in legal battles with tech giants, their robust spending on Facebook, Amazon, and Google demonstrates a paradoxical dependence on services they critique. Biden’s antitrust efforts, emphasizing fewer options for consumers, seemingly conflict with his campaign’s reliance on these companies.
Amazon Ties
Both campaigns directed funds toward Amazon. While Biden spent nearly $60,000 on Amazon Web Services for website hosting, Trump’s campaign, despite past feuds, invested over $30,000 in office supplies from the e-commerce giant.
Cultural Differences
Biden’s spending highlights a preference for Apple products, shelling out over $170,000 at an authorized service provider. Conversely, Trump’s campaign demonstrated a penchant for Uber over Lyft, with the ride-sharing company being expensed 10 times more frequently, and Uber Eats featured prominently in filings.
Direct Engagement with Tech Moguls
While neither campaign showed direct dealings with Twitter, Trump’s operation paid Elon Musk’s company, possibly for premium subscriptions, reinforcing the complex relationship between politics and Silicon Valley.
Source: Federal Election Commission Records and Yahoo Finance Analysis