Tech Giants Face Regulatory Scrutiny Despite Trump Inauguration Donations, Market Value Drops Amid Tariffs and Antitrust Actions

Despite donating millions to President Trump's inauguration fund, tech giants like Apple, Amazon, and Meta are facing increased regulatory scrutiny, including potential tariff increases and antitrust actions. This is impacting their market value, which has collectively dropped. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly met with President Trump to seek a settlement in the FTC's antitrust lawsuit, which aims to unwind Meta's acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp. The FTC, under Chairman Andrew Ferguson, is proceeding with the case, scheduled for trial on April 14, 2025. Ferguson has stated the agency is prepared and has the resources needed for the trial. Apple is facing potential tariff increases on iPhones produced in China, with tariffs potentially reaching over 100%. This has led to a significant drop in Apple's stock value. Gail Slater, the Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division, confirmed on March 12, 2025, will be focusing on enforcing antitrust laws affecting industries including technology. She has also convened roundtables to address competition issues and unfair labor practices. While tech companies may have hoped their donations would ease regulatory pressure, the Trump administration appears to be maintaining a tough stance on the industry, signaling continued scrutiny and potential challenges for these firms.