Former President Donald Trump has long been a vocal critic of Big Tech, accusing platforms like Facebook, Twitter (now X), and Google of bias against conservatives. His attacks often included threats of regulation, antitrust action, and even calls to revoke Section 230 protections. Yet, despite the fiery rhetoric, Trump’s presidency saw little concrete action against these companies. This raises the question: Did tech giants effectively buy their way out of trouble?

Lobbying Dollars and Political Influence

During Trump’s presidency, major tech companies significantly ramped up lobbying efforts. In 2020 alone, Amazon spent 18.7milliononlobbying,, Googlespent 8.5 million, and Facebook spent $19.7 million—a record for the industry. While these expenditures weren’t solely directed at the Trump administration, they certainly helped shape policy discussions.

Tech firms also strategically hired former Trump aides and Republican operatives to navigate Washington. Facebook, for instance, brought on former GOP staffers to lobby the administration, while Google increased its connections with conservative think tanks. These moves may have softened Trump’s stance—or at least delayed aggressive action.

A Lack of Major Regulatory Action

Despite Trump’s threats, his administration took few substantial steps to rein in Big Tech. The Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit against Google came late in his term (October 2020), and efforts to reform Section 230 stalled. Some argue that tech companies’ lobbying and hiring strategies successfully mitigated regulatory risks.

Or Was It Just Incompetence?

Others believe the lack of action wasn’t due to tech influence but rather the Trump administration’s disorganized approach to policy. Internal divisions, shifting priorities, and Trump’s own unpredictable style may have played a bigger role than corporate lobbying.

The Bottom Line

While tech giants undoubtedly spent heavily to protect their interests, it’s unclear whether that alone kept Trump at bay. A mix of lobbying, political maneuvering, and administrative chaos likely contributed to the lack of major crackdowns. Now, as Trump eyes a potential second term, the question remains: Will Big Tech’s playbook work again, or will he finally follow through on his threats?

One thing is certain—tech companies won’t stop spending to ensure their survival.