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Why We're Boycotting
Roger Penske and Penske Corporation’s Support for Donald Trump
Political Donations
Roger Penske and his businesses have been significant financial backers of Donald Trump. Penske personally donated $35,000 to the Trump Victory joint fundraising committee and $5,600 (the maximum allowed) directly to Trump’s 2020 campaign (OpenSecrets). He also gave $1.1 million to Trump’s 2017 inauguration fund (ABC News). In the 2024 cycle, individuals affiliated with Penske Corp poured $1.1 million into Trump’s primary super-PAC, Make America Great Again, Inc., and an additional $1.0 million to another pro-Trump group (Turnout for America) (OpenSecrets). OpenSecrets data shows Penske Corp’s executives and PAC overwhelmingly favor Republican causes – over 80% of their 2024 contributions went to GOP committees or conservative “outside” groups (with Trump-related committees among the top recipients).
Public Endorsements and Statements
Penske was listed among notable business figures endorsing Trump in the 2020 election, shortly after receiving a Presidential Medal of Freedom from Trump in 2019 (Wikipedia). Upon news of that honor, Penske publicly praised Trump, saying “It is truly an honor to be recognized by President Trump… Thank you to President Trump for this special recognition. It will be my privilege to accept this prestigious award.” (Indianapolis Star). This gratitude for Trump’s acknowledgment, as well as Penske’s decision to openly support Trump’s re-election bid in 2020, underscore his alignment with Trump.
Business and Personal Ties
Beyond dollars, Roger Penske has maintained a friendly relationship with Trump. President Trump called Penske “a friend of mine for a long time,” highlighting their long-standing ties (AP News). The Trump White House frequently hosted Penske – for instance, Trump welcomed Penske and his championship-winning Team Penske drivers to the Oval Office and even teased attending the Indianapolis 500 at Penske’s invitation (NBC Sports). Penske in turn extended an “open invitation” for Trump to attend the Indy 500, reflecting a cordial rapport. Trump rewarded Penske’s successes with personal recognition, most notably awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2019 (White House Archives). These interactions show a close business-social relationship between Penske and the Trump administration.
Support Across Penske Businesses
The pro-Trump tilt isn’t limited to Roger Penske himself – it appears across his companies. Penske Corporation’s affiliated entities (such as Penske Automotive Group and Penske Truck Leasing) and their leadership have consistently skewed Republican in political giving. The Penske Truck Leasing PAC, for example, has steered large contributions to conservative super PACs (including $250,000 to Club for Growth Action during the 2020 cycle) (OpenSecrets). Overall, Penske-related donors have funneled millions into Trump campaign committees, GOP PACs and Republican Party organs (OpenSecrets). This pattern indicates a corporate culture that financially supports Trump-aligned politicians and policies.
Each of these points – substantial campaign contributions, personal endorsements, a friendly relationship with Trump, and a company-wide trend of pro-Trump political spending – illustrates Roger Penske and Penske Corporation’s clear support for Donald Trump, as documented by FEC records and news reports.