Donald Trump’s inaugural committee has set the bar high – starting at $1 million – for corporate and individual donors willing to underwrite the cost of the Jan. 17-21 events in exchange for prime access to the president-elect, VP-elect and incoming members of the administration.
According to the invitations, those in the “$1,000,000+” category will receive packages of tickets to premier inaugural events, such as dinners and luncheons. The offer includes four tickets to an exclusive “leadership luncheon” featuring “select Cabinet appointees and House and Senate leadership to honor our most generous inaugural supporters.”
Also on the itinerary are eight tickets to an “elegant” candlelight dinner with appearances by Donald and Melania Trump and Mike and Karen Pence. A “ladies luncheon” features Melania Trump and Karen Pence and the “ladies of the first families.”
The package provides premier access to the swearing-in ceremony, the inaugural parade, the inaugural concert and the glitzy VIP Ball.
The donor packages offer tickets to Trump’s swearing-in ceremony in several pricing categories: $1 million, $500,000, $250,000, $100,000 and $25,000. The perks offered, obviously, decline in each step down the donation ladder.
Top donors will receive reservations for up to eight rooms at a luxury Washington hotel, though the lodging will not be paid for by the inaugural committee.
According to the Center for Public Integrity, a watchdog group, the 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee is reportedly attempting to raise $65 million to $75 million to pay for the festivities. Taxpayers will finance the multi-million dollar cost for security and the swearing-in ceremony.
In 2009, the center reports, President Barack Obama limited individual inaugural contributions to $50,000 and refused donations from corporations, political action committees and registered lobbyists. Four years later, Obama lifted the contribution cap for individuals and allowed corporate contributions. As a result, the 2013 inaugural committee raised $43.8 million, including seven-figure contributions from AT&T, Boeing and Microsoft.
Trump is accepting corporate money but not donations from lobbyists.
