Trump’s billionaire backers dress influence as generosity

The GuardianFriday, December 5, 2025 at 12:00:23 PM
Trump’s billionaire backers dress influence as generosity
  • Tech billionaires Michael and Susan Dell have pledged a historic $6.25 billion to establish 'Trump Accounts,' tax-deferred investment accounts aimed at benefiting approximately 25 million American children under the age of 10. This initiative has sparked debate regarding the motivations behind such large donations, particularly in relation to political influence and access to power.
  • The donation is significant as it represents one of the largest philanthropic contributions in American history, yet it raises questions about the intersection of wealth, politics, and social responsibility. Michael Dell has publicly stated that the donation is not intended to curry favor with Donald Trump, emphasizing a non-partisan approach.
  • This development highlights ongoing concerns about the role of wealthy individuals in shaping public policy and the potential implications for democracy. Critics argue that such large donations can blur the lines between philanthropy and political influence, particularly in a climate where the billionaire class faces increasing scrutiny over their impact on governance and social equity.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
Crypto’s rocky year
NegativeFinancial Markets
The cryptocurrency market has faced significant turmoil, with Bitcoin experiencing a sharp decline of nearly 30% from its peak earlier this year, reflecting a broader negative sentiment in the industry. This downturn follows a period of optimism linked to Donald Trump's return to the White House, which initially buoyed market expectations.
New York Times sues AI startup for ‘illegal’ copying of millions of articles
NegativeFinancial Markets
The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the AI startup Perplexity, alleging that it illegally copied millions of articles and displayed them without permission. The lawsuit also claims that Perplexity's generative AI products create fabricated content, misattributing it to the newspaper while violating its trademarks under the Lanham Act.
New York Times Escalates Battle Against Perplexity With New Lawsuit
NegativeFinancial Markets
The New York Times has initiated a lawsuit against the AI startup Perplexity, alleging copyright infringement related to the unauthorized use of its content. This legal action marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between traditional media companies and generative AI firms, which the Times accuses of profiting from its intellectual property without permission.
New York Times Sues A.I. Start-Up Perplexity Over Use of Copyrighted Work
NegativeFinancial Markets
The New York Times has filed a lawsuit against the A.I. start-up Perplexity in federal court, alleging the unauthorized use of copyrighted material. This legal action is part of a broader trend, as it joins over 40 similar disputes between copyright holders and A.I. companies, highlighting ongoing tensions in the industry.
Cloudflare outage hits major web services including X, LinkedIn and Zoom – business live
NegativeFinancial Markets
Cloudflare is currently investigating significant technical issues that have caused widespread outages affecting major web services, including X, LinkedIn, and Zoom. The problems began shortly after 9 AM UK time, leading to difficulties in accessing various online platforms and services.
Is It Deductible? The Tax Rules Around The Dells’ $6.25 Billion Contribution To Trump Accounts
NeutralFinancial Markets
Michael and Susan Dell have made a historic $6.25 billion donation to establish 'Trump Accounts,' which are investment accounts aimed at benefiting approximately 25 million American children under the age of 10. This initiative is designed to provide financial support and investment opportunities for these children, marking a significant commitment to philanthropy in the U.S.
‘Enclaves for the rich’: new luxury housing is putting parts of Sydney out of reach to all but the very few
NegativeFinancial Markets
A wave of luxury housing developments in Bondi and other parts of Sydney is pushing out long-time residents, including surfers and artists, as older apartment blocks are converted into high-end properties. This trend raises concerns about the loss of affordable housing in the area.
The Markets Are Temperamental. Understand Your Risks.
NeutralFinancial Markets
Recent fluctuations in market expectations regarding a potential Federal Reserve rate cut highlight the prevailing uncertainty surrounding both political and economic landscapes. Investors are grappling with mixed signals, particularly as they anticipate key economic indicators that could influence the Fed's monetary policy decisions.