Tech Titans Front and Center at Trump’s Swearing-In
As Donald Trump took the oath of office as the 47th President of the United States, a remarkable sight emerged: tech billionaires seated prominently ahead of Trump’s nominated Cabinet. Among them were Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, Bernard Arnault, Sergey Brin, and Miriam Adelson.
Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth had to peer past Musk and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai to view the proceedings, underscoring the significance placed on the tech elite.
“It’s important to bring some of the brightest minds in the world together,” Donald Trump Jr. remarked, highlighting the administration’s focus on collaboration with industry leaders.
Surge in Support from Business Leaders
The gathering of billionaires showcased a shift in Trump’s support from key industries, including Silicon Valley and Wall Street. Business leaders have rallied behind Trump’s promises of regulatory relief and economic growth, seeing opportunities to bolster their corporate interests under his administration.
For some, this marks a reversal from their initial reluctance to embrace Trump after the Capitol riots in 2021. However, his business-focused campaign and commitment to extending tax cuts have drawn back some skeptics.
Elon Musk’s Unwavering Support
Among the billionaires, Elon Musk stood out for his staunch backing of Trump. Musk spent over $200 million on Trump’s campaign and took on a significant advisory role in the administration, heading a government-efficiency initiative.
Musk, whose companies benefit from reduced regulations and space contracts, celebrated Trump’s call for a manned mission to Mars, raising his fists in excitement. His long-term dream of Mars colonization appears closer to reality under the new administration.
A Diverse Array of Wealth and Influence
Other notable attendees included hedge fund magnate John Paulson, media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, and Apple CEO Tim Cook. Cook, who shared a warm relationship with Trump during his first term, was singled out by the president at a pre-inauguration rally, hinting at a major investment by Apple in the U.S.
Even TikTok CEO Shou Chew was present, with his company’s future tied to an anticipated executive order from Trump. Previously critical of the platform, Trump now views TikTok as a powerful tool to engage younger voters and has promised a resolution to save it from a potential ban.
The Zuckerberg Pivot
Mark Zuckerberg has also made notable adjustments to Meta’s strategy, aligning more closely with Trump’s administration. He’s abandoned the platform’s third-party fact-checking system in the U.S. and scaled back diversity and inclusion efforts following conservative criticism.
At the inaugural luncheon, Zuckerberg mingled with lawmakers and posed for photos, signaling a new chapter in Meta’s approach under the current political climate.
The Road Ahead for Trump and Big Business
The presence of so many billionaires at Trump’s inauguration underscores the deepening ties between his administration and the business elite. While some have faced criticism for aligning with Trump, the opportunities presented by his economic policies seem too promising for them to ignore.
With promises of tax cuts, regulatory rollbacks, and a booming economy, Trump’s second term is poised to reshape the relationship between the White House and America’s wealthiest individuals.
