Microsoft, Facebook Pause Political Donations After U.S. Riot

Dina Bass and Sarah Frier, Bloomberg News

The logo for Facebook is displayed on a laptop computer in an arranged photograph taken in Little Falls, New Jersey, U.S., on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020. Facebook Inc. is tightening its rules on content concerning the U.S. presidential election next month, including instituting a temporary ban on political ads when voting ends, as it braces for a contentious night that may not end with a definitive winner. Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg , Bloomberg

(Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. and Facebook Inc. said they will pause political contributions after a deadly pro-Trump riot in the U.S. Capitol last week.

Software giant Microsoft said its political action committee decided on Friday that it will not make any political donations “until after it assesses the implications of last week’s events.” The company said its political action committee regularly pauses donations in the first quarter of a new Congress, but it will “take additional steps this year to consider these recent events and consult with employees.” Some legislators that Microsoft backs voted against certifying the presidency of Joe Biden.

Microsoft has come under renewed pressure from some employees on social media to disband MSPAC after several years of complaints that the group’s bipartisan giving involves donations to politicians who vote contrary to Microsoft’s stated positions on issues like immigration and LBGT rights.

Facebook spokesman Andy Stone said the company is pausing all of its PAC contributions “for at least the current quarter while we review our policies.”