Washington: Organisers of major Pride marches in the United States, including the iconic San Francisco Pride, are reporting sharp declines in corporate sponsorships this year, citing indirect fallout from President Donald Trump’s renewed crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Suzanne Ford, executive director of San Francisco Pride, said the group unexpectedly lost several key corporate backers within days, leaving a $300,000 funding gap ahead of the June celebrations. Brewer Anheuser-Busch was among the companies that withdrew, she said.

While companies cited "budgetary reasons," Ford and others believe the true motive is political. "No one wanted to be on record saying anything that would hurt them with the administration," Ford noted.

The issue appears widespread. Eve Keller of the USA Prides network confirmed that groups across the country have scaled back events, cutting performers and programming due to tighter budgets.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has aggressively targeted DEI initiatives, threatening legal action against companies implementing such policies. As a result, firms like Meta, Target, and McDonald’s have reportedly rolled back their internal diversity efforts.

WorldPride 2025, currently underway in Washington, D.C., has also seen a 20–25% drop in corporate support, according to organiser June Crenshaw. The group severed ties with the Kennedy Center after it was placed under Trump’s influence.

According to LGBTQ marketing consultant Bob Witeck, companies fear being visibly aligned with LGBTQ events during a politically volatile time. Still, some are offering behind-the-scenes support without seeking publicity — a shift from the era of "pinkwashing," where brands visibly aligned with LGBTQ causes for positive PR.

Ford says the community is stepping in where businesses have pulled out, keeping Pride alive despite mounting political and financial challenges.
(With AP inputs)