Trump’s Inauguration Brings Together a Powerful Gathering of Global Billionaires

Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 20th, 2025, witnessed an extraordinary convergence of the world’s wealthiest and most influential figures, signaling the deep ties between business and politics.

While US presidential inaugurations typically attract political elites and dignitaries, the presence of global billionaires at Trump’s swearing-in brought an entirely new dimension to the event.

Among the prominent attendees were tech titans and business magnates whose collective wealth surpasses $900 billion, including Elon Musk, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg. These figures, representing some of the most powerful companies in the world, occupied prime seats at the Capitol, directly behind the president, while Trump’s Cabinet members were positioned further back. This level of corporate presence was almost unparalleled, drawing comparisons to the elite gatherings of the world’s wealthiest in Davos, Switzerland.

Trump’s ties to these billionaires are well-documented. Elon Musk, the richest person on the planet, has long been a vocal supporter, having contributed heavily to Trump’s re-election efforts. Musk was not only in the front row during the inauguration but also tapped to lead a new initiative to cut government spending. His presence is emblematic of the new era under Trump, one where technology executives and entrepreneurs may see regulatory changes and new opportunities that could further benefit their business empires.

Others like Bezos, Zuckerberg, and Google’s Sundar Pichai are also heavily invested in the future of American policy. The inauguration marked a striking example of the cozy relationship between big business and politics, as many of these billionaires are expected to thrive under Trump’s pro-business policies, particularly in areas like taxes, labor, and trade.

Trump’s commitment to pushing for America-first policies was on full display in his inaugural speech, which promised to overhaul trade systems, protect American workers, and reduce reliance on foreign nations. The rhetoric drew applause from his billionaire supporters, even as it posed potential challenges to some of their global business interests. For instance, Trump’s vow to erect trade barriers could impact the operations of companies like Musk’s Tesla, which has significant ties to China, and Apple, which relies on global supply chains.

The presence of such influential figures at the inauguration also underscored the shift in Trump’s political posture. Once seen as an outsider, Trump has now firmly positioned himself at the heart of the global business network, drawing significant backing from corporate leaders eager to have a seat at the table. His willingness to embrace billionaires, tech executives, and industry leaders speaks to his recognition of their power in shaping American and global economic policy.

In addition to the tech giants, several other notable billionaires were present, including LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, the world’s fifth-richest person, and India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani. These individuals represent industries ranging from luxury goods to telecoms, further cementing the global reach of the event and Trump’s influence.

The inauguration also attracted figures like TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, a highly controversial guest given the app’s potential national security risks. Trump’s decision to invite Chew—while simultaneously seeking to ban the app—highlights his pragmatic approach to international business relations.

The billionaire-backed celebrations continued throughout the weekend, with private events and high-profile gatherings attended by some of the wealthiest figures in global business, including a Crypto Ball attended by industry leaders like Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. Meanwhile, influential Silicon Valley figures, including David Sacks and Peter Thiel, also gathered to celebrate what they anticipate will be a new era of innovation and deregulation under Trump.

With input from Reuters, the Associated Press, and the Wasgintgon Post.