Billionaires and CEOs at Trump’s inauguration: Ambani, Zuckerberg, Bezos join ceremony – The Hindu BusinessLine
January 21, 2025–Tech moguls, business magnates, and global dignitaries made a notable appearance at Donald Trump’s inauguration as the next President of the United States on January 20, 2025. The event, held in Washington, D.C., featured an impressive lineup of influential figures, including Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Attendees began their day with a service at St. John’s Church near the White House before heading to the Capitol for the inauguration ceremony.
The church service, usually a subdued affair, turned into a star-studded gathering. Prominent CEOs and billionaires were seen entering the historic venue, creating a media frenzy. This unexpected display of wealth and power underscored the strong ties between Trump and some of the world’s most influential leaders.
Elon Musk’s Prominent Role
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, the wealthiest man in the world, was a key figure at the event. Musk, who contributed over $250 million to Trump’s campaign, has been selected to lead a government department aimed at increasing efficiency. He arrived solo, garnering significant attention. Musk’s support for Trump has sparked debates, with critics questioning the implications of such alliances on governance and policy-making.
Mark Zuckerberg’s Strategic Move
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg attended with his wife, Priscilla Chan. Since Trump’s election victory, Meta has made notable policy adjustments, including scaling back its U.S. fact-checking program and relaxing restrictions on certain contentious topics. These moves are seen as efforts to align with Trump’s administration after past tensions, including Trump’s criticism of Zuckerberg during his first term.
Mukesh Ambani Represents India
Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani also made a high-profile appearance. As the chairman of Reliance Industries, Ambani represents one of India’s most powerful business empires. He attended both the pre-inauguration ceremony and the main event, signaling India’s ongoing interest in strengthening ties with the United States under Trump’s leadership.
Jeff Bezos and the Arnault Family
Amazon chairman Jeff Bezos arrived with his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, further highlighting the presence of global business leaders at the event. Bezos’s decision to refrain from endorsing any candidate through his newspaper, The Washington Post, has drawn attention, especially given the publication’s past criticisms of Trump. The Arnault family, led by LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, also attended, showcasing the influence of European luxury powerhouses.
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew Thanks Trump
TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew made headlines by expressing gratitude to Trump for reinstating TikTok’s service in the U.S. just a day before the inauguration. The app, used by millions of Americans, faced a potential ban but secured a last-minute reprieve under Trump’s directive. Chew’s attendance was seen as an acknowledgment of the political dynamics surrounding the platform’s operations.
Foreign Dignitaries and Diplomats
The event was not limited to American elites. Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a known ally of Trump, was also in attendance. Johnson has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine and met with Trump in 2023 to discuss strategies against Russian aggression. His presence emphasized the global impact of Trump’s leadership and the alliances he has cultivated.
A Symbol of Power and Influence
The inauguration ceremony showcased a convergence of politics, business, and global diplomacy. With tech giants like Google and Amazon contributing to Trump’s inaugural fund and prominent CEOs openly supporting his administration, the event highlighted the intricate relationships between power and policy.
Trump’s return to the presidency has been polarizing, but the presence of such high-profile attendees signals a strategic shift in aligning corporate interests with political agendas. As the new administration takes charge, the implications of these alliances will be closely watched by political analysts and the public alike.
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