Samsung Group more than doubled its political contributions in the United States last year compared to four years earlier, as the country held its presidential election, according to data compiled by OpenSecrets, a U.S. political finance tracking website, on Mar. 10. The South Korean conglomerate’s U.S. political donations surged 109.6% from 4.84 billion won ($3.33 million) in 2020 to 10.15 billion won ($6.98 million) in 2024.
The sharp increase reflects the growing uncertainty for businesses, as the Biden administration ramped up U.S.-China trade tensions in the final stretch of its term and President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise to revive tariff wars. Analysts suggest Samsung sought to strengthen ties with American policymakers to navigate the risks of a potential second Trump administration. The five largest South Korean conglomerates—Samsung, SK Group, Hyundai Motor Group, LG Group, and Posco Group—collectively contributed $16.51 million to U.S. political entities in 2024, marking a 65.6% increase from $9.97 million in 2020.
Samsung’s donation growth outpaced its domestic rivals, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) raised its contributions by 51.8% to $3.01 million, and Intel saw a 76.1% increase. Qualcomm, by contrast, reduced its donations from $7.94 million to $7.38 million.
Samsung ranked among the top five contributors in the electronics sector, which includes semiconductor and IT device manufacturers. Oracle led the list with $11.77 million in donations, followed by Microsoft at $9.48 million, Apple at $7.82 million, Qualcomm at $7.38 million, and Samsung. SK Group placed 10th with $5.59 million. In 2020, Samsung ranked 14th, trailing SK Group, which had donated $3.45 million at the time.
A corporate insider noted that the U.S. remains Samsung’s most critical market, not only for its semiconductor manufacturing operations but also for its smartphone and TV sales. “Even amid economic challenges, Samsung appears to have been more determined than others to prepare for political uncertainties in the U.S.,” the industry source said.
