Toyota defended its decision to spend tens of thousands of dollars in donations to over three-dozen Republicans that objected to certifying the Electoral College votes in the 2020 presidential election.
Toyota donated a total of $55,000 to 37 GOP lawmakers who objected to the certification of the Electoral College’s votes during the 2020 presidential election, Axios reported Sunday. A company spokesperson told the outlet that they do not believe a member of Congress’ standpoint on the election should be a factor in the company’s decision to offer a donation, but refused to donate to members that “undermine” American elections.
“We do not believe it is appropriate to judge members of Congress solely based on their votes on the electoral certification,” the spokesperson said 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 Japanese automaker highly outnumbered every other corporation, including Koch Industries, that had donated money to Republicans who objected to the certification, according to Axios. Cubic Corp., a defense contractor based in San Diego, made the second largest number of donations, while Deere & Company and AT&T made one donation to an election objector PAC.
A handful of Republican objectors found financial support with small donors and grassroots organizations to replace the loss of corporate support, Axios reported. A total of 34 companies donated at least $5,000 to Republican objectors’ campaigns and leadership PACs. (RELATED: JPMorgan Will Withhold Donations From Republicans Who Tried To Overturn Biden’s Victory: REPORT)
The company received backlash from Toyota car owners online for its financial support to the GOP, with some vowing to stop purchasing their products in the future.
What a coincidence @Toyota I do not believe it is appropriate to buy cars from companies that fund politicians who try to overthrow our Democracy.
Wifey & I are deciding between Toyota, Honda, & Nissan for our next minivan. Let’s go places…not named Toyota. https://t.co/CTpbzpANyd
— Qasim Rashid, Esq. (@QasimRashid) June 27, 2021
Good morning and Happy Monday to everyone who refuses to buy Toyota vehicles because Toyota financially supports insurrectionist terror.#BoycottToyota
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) June 28, 2021
Toyota also donated to Republican Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs following his participation in the Jan. 6 “Stop the Steal” rally that preceded the Capitol riot, according to Axios.
