Washington, D.C., often synonymous with political power, morphed into the nation’s business capital on Monday as President Donald Trump’s inauguration drew an elite cadre of CEOs whose collective net worth surpasses $1.3 trillion. The event showcased Trump’s ability to bridge the divide between business and politics, but not without its share of controversy.
Among the luminaries were Tesla’s Elon Musk, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, Apple’s Tim Cook, and Google’s Sundar Pichai. Even TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, fresh off a Supreme Court ruling threatening his app’s U.S. presence, was in attendance. These tech magnates, accompanied by their partners, joined Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for a church service and snagged prime seats at the inauguration—outshining even some of Trump’s incoming cabinet members.
Critics, including outgoing President Joe Biden, took issue with the optics of corporate leaders eclipsing government officials in prominence. The spectacle raised concerns about an emerging “American oligarchy.” However, for Trump’s supporters, it was a testament to the 45th president’s unparalleled business acumen and ability to attract financial heavyweights to his vision.
Musk, a staunch Trump ally, poured $119 million into voter mobilization efforts during the campaign and now heads Trump’s newly minted Department of Government Efficiency (nicknamed “DOGE”). During Trump’s inaugural address, when he vowed to “pursue our manifest destiny into the stars” and plant the American flag on Mars, Musk’s thumbs-up reaction stole the spotlight.
Zuckerberg, once an antagonist of Trump’s presidency, has pivoted significantly. Facebook and Instagram are rolling back alleged anticonservative bias, reinstating Trump’s accounts, and dialing back aggressive fact-checking policies. Meanwhile, corporate America has thrown its weight behind Trump’s agenda, with inauguration fund donations surpassing $200 million. Crypto enthusiasts are especially bullish, with Ripple contributing $5 million in XRP, anticipating friendlier regulatory policies in Trump’s second term.
The pageantry of Trump’s inauguration sets the stage for an aggressive agenda. Expected executive orders include declaring illegal immigration a national emergency, paving the way for military involvement in mass deportations. With Wall Street and Silicon Valley lining up behind him, Trump’s second term is shaping up to be one where business and governance collide—and critics and supporters alike are watching closely.
Excerpt: President Donald Trump’s inauguration drew the nation’s most powerful business leaders, signaling a second term driven by corporate alignment, bold policy moves, and an ambitious vision for America’s future.
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