Toyota defends donating $55,000 to 37 Republicans who voted against certifying the 2020 Presidential election result

 Japanese car manufacturer Toyota has defended its decision to donate $55,000 to 37 Republicans who voted against certifying the 2020 Presidential election result. 

Toyota donated more than any other corporate PAC to the politicians who voted against the result - and even gave more than twice as much as the second-biggest donor Cubic Corp.

It comes after the Toyota, alongside other corporations across the US, had said they would 'assess' their political donations in response to the Capitol Hill attacks on June 6 and growing divisiveness over the election results. 


But data from watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington  and acquired by Axios paints a different picture. 

Toyota donated more than any other corporate PAC to the politicians who voted against the result - and even gave more than twice as much as the second-biggest donor Cubic Corp

Toyota donated more than any other corporate PAC to the politicians who voted against the result - and even gave more than twice as much as the second-biggest donor Cubic Corp


The data shows that at least 103 of the 147 members who voted against the election result received donations from corporations including Walmart and Koch Industries.

But Toyota is the company who has donated far more than other businesses, with its $55,000 worth of donations being more than double than the second-biggest donor Cubic Corp.  

Just a month after the Capitol Hill attack, Toyota donated $1,000 to Republican Congressman and hardline Trump supporter Andy Biggs, according to official filings to the Federal Election Commission

Mr Biggs was one of Congress' most vocal election conspiracy theorists and came under fire after going forward with voting against the election results even after the violent Capitol riot forced him to evacuate the chamber and delayed proceedings for hours.

The Arizona Rep. was also involved in the 'Stop the Steal' rally ahead of the storming of the Capitol.  

Toyota donated $1,000 to Republican Congressman and hardline Trump supporter Andy Biggs (pictured), according to official filings to the Federal Election Commission

Toyota donated $1,000 to Republican Congressman and hardline Trump supporter Andy Biggs (pictured), according to official filings to the Federal Election Commission

Rep. Luetkemeyer of Missouri has previously told donors that if corporations were going to put him in an enemies list for voting against the results, he would put them on his own, reports Bloomberg

Rep. Luetkemeyer of Missouri has previously told donors that if corporations were going to put him in an enemies list for voting against the results, he would put them on his own, reports Bloomberg

In March this year, Toyota also donated $1,000 to Republican Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer and Rep. Alex Mooney, both of whom voted against certifying the election result. 

Rep. Luetkemeyer of Missouri has previously told donors that if corporations were going to put him in an enemies list for voting against the results, he would put them on his own, reports Bloomberg

The data shows that Toyota gave $55,000 to 37 Republicans who voted against the election results, which equates to a quarter of the group who objected to the President Biden's win. Meanwhile, just 8 donations were given by Cubic Corp.

'We do not believe it is appropriate to judge members of Congress solely based on their votes on the electoral certification,' a Toyota spokesperson told Axios in a statement. 

'Based on our thorough review, we decided against giving to some members who, through their statements and actions, undermine the legitimacy of our elections and institutions.'

The spokesperson did not respond to the news site's questions about what counts as a statement which would be deemed to have undermined the election's legitimacy.  

It comes after the Toyota, alongside other corporations across the US, had said they would 'assess' their political donations in response to the Capitol Hill attacks on June 6 and growing divisiveness over the election results

It comes after the Toyota, alongside other corporations across the US, had said they would 'assess' their political donations in response to the Capitol Hill attacks on June 6 and growing divisiveness over the election results 

Other companies who have said they would boycott their political donations in response to the Capitol Hill attacks have continued to give a total of $2.6 million to those who voted to object the result. 

For instance, Cigna donated $30,000 to the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) despite announcing a boycott.  

PACs tied to at least six companies or industry groups—including AT&T, Pfizer, Jetblue, and the National Association of Realtors—have started giving again, forsaking commitments they made after January 6, according to CREW. 

'By continuing to fund members of Congress who would undermine American democracy, these corporations and industry groups are sacrificing democratic government for access and influence,' CREW said.  

In response to Toyota defending its decision to continue with their political donations, social media users have called for their boycott. 

One user tweeted: 'Toyota, my husband and I have been driving your vehicles for nearly 20 years. Your response to Axios shows us a side that warrants us having to rethink continued vehicle ownership under your brand. #GoodbyeToyota.'

Another tweeted: 'This response is arguably even more disturbing than the initial donations, Toyota. Just a terrible, terrible look.'

One tweeted: 'I'm in the market to buy a new car, and .@Toyota was at the top of my list, but definitely not anymore. Wow. Shameful.' Another tweeted: 'I'm saddened that Toyota supports the election deniers, as I like their cars. Crossing Toyota off my list when I buy my next car.'           

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