Target Corporation contributed $1 million to President Donald Trump’s 2025 inauguration committee, marking the retailer’s first donation to a presidential inauguration.
The donation places Target alongside major U.S. companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and Meta, which also contributed to the record-setting $239 million raised by the Trump-Vance Inaugural Committee.
Political engagement amid economic pressure
The contribution comes as Target navigates growing challenges tied to trade policy and shifting consumer behavior. Roughly 50% of the retailer’s inventory is imported, making it vulnerable to tariff-related costs under the Trump administration’s economic strategy.
Target also issued a lower-than-expected sales forecast in March 2025, citing weakened consumer demand and ongoing uncertainty over tariffs.
Response to DEI backlash and boycotts
The donation follows months of public scrutiny related to Target’s rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. In 2024, the company scaled back Pride merchandise displays and DEI programs after federal guidance rolled back support for such initiatives.
Those moves led to a 40-day boycott spearheaded by Atlanta pastor Jamal Bryant, who criticized Target for retreating on inclusion.
A spokesperson for Target defended the inauguration donation, saying, “We work with elected officials at all levels of government to provide the best retail experience for the more than 2,000 communities we’re proud to serve.”
Strategic alignment with current leadership
Political analysts say the $1 million donation reflects a shift in corporate alignment with the current administration as Target seeks to manage federal regulatory relationships and economic headwinds.
President Trump’s inauguration committee has not commented directly on the donations, but the record-breaking fundraising total suggests a renewed alliance between business leaders and the Trump White House.
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