Trump’s Inauguration: A Gathering of Billionaires and CEOs

On Monday, a star-studded crowd of tech billionaires, foreign diplomats, and top CEOs arrived to support US President Donald Trump during his inauguration. Many attended the church service at St John's Church in Washington, which is situated close to the White House. These attendees were also seated prominently on the dais in the US Capitol ahead of Trump's inaugural speech.

Traditionally a quiet part of Inauguration Day, this church service transformed into a spectacle, showcasing some of the wealthiest individuals in the United States and from around the world. The presence of influential tech executives, notably those in Trump's inner circle, symbolized a significant allegiance to the new administration that raised concerns from former President Joe Biden.

The following list highlights some notable attendees of Inauguration Day.

Elon Musk - CEO of Tesla

Elon Musk, recognized as the world’s richest person and leader of Tesla, played an active role in helping Trump’s election campaign, contributing more than a quarter of a billion dollars. Many see Musk as integral to Trump's vision for a more efficient government, as he was appointed to lead a related department. Musk made his entrance to the church service alone.

Shou Zi Chew - CEO of TikTok

Just a day before Trump’s inauguration, TikTok acknowledged Trump’s efforts in restoring access to its app in the US. The company expressed thanks to Trump, highlighting his promise to rejuvenate the app's service amidst a ban. TikTok is a staple for about 170 million American users, thus making it a significant point during his speech.

Mark Zuckerberg - CEO of Meta

Mark Zuckerberg, head of Meta Platforms, made noteworthy changes to his company’s policies since Trump’s election. He reversed Meta's US fact-checking program and relaxed restrictions on controversial discourse, largely due to pressure from Trump's supporters. Zuckerberg attended the church service with his wife, Priscilla Chan.

Miriam Adelson

Miriam Adelson, a prominent casino billionaire and Republican benefactor, was another notable guest. She previously led super PAC efforts to support Trump, underscoring her significant influence within the Republican Party. Adelson and her late husband, Sheldon, were instrumental in Trump’s initial presidential campaign.

Mukesh Ambani - Indian Billionaire

Mukesh Ambani, recognized as the wealthiest individual in India and head of Reliance Industries, was also in attendance. His company is one of India’s most valuable, with interests in various sectors, including energy and retail, making his presence noteworthy for both Indian and international economic discourse.

The Arnault Family

Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, was accompanied by his wife, Helene Mercier, and two of their children, Delphine and Alexandre. The Arnault family, known as the richest in France with an LVMH fortune of approximately $200 billion, adds a significant luxury branding aspect to the event.

Jeff Bezos - CEO of Amazon

Jeff Bezos, who also runs the Washington Post and Amazon, attended with his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez. Bezos faced scrutiny over his paper’s choice not to endorse a presidential candidate, a decision that notably kept Trump’s rival from receiving support.

Sundar Pichai - CEO of Google

Sundar Pichai, leader of Google, was also present, and the company pledged substantial financial backing of $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund. Observers speculate that the new administration will roll back some antitrust initiatives that had previously targeted Google.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, often likened to Trump, also met with the president in 2023. Their discussion included talk about Ukraine and the importance of supporting its fight against Russian aggression, showcasing a focus on international affairs amidst the inauguration.

This remarkable gathering illustrated the close ties between business and politics and emphasized the influence of these economic powerhouses within the new administration.

Trump, Inauguration, Billionaires