A notable group of tech billionaires and global leaders attended US President Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, DC. The event began with a church service at St. John’s Church, featuring Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, Mark Zuckerberg, Sundar Pichai, Rupert Murdoch, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Historical Criticisms
Many of these tech leaders previously criticized Trump’s policies during his first term, particularly on climate change and immigration. Despite this, their attendance signifies potential attempts to rebuild relationships.
Elon Musk and Campaign Contributions
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, later joined Trump at the Capitol. Reports suggest Musk contributed approximately $300 million to Trump’s campaign. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew was also expected at the event amidst debates over potential US bans on TikTok. OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Uber’s Dara Khosrowshahi were among other tech leaders in attendance. Altman, who has donated to both parties, dismissed criticism of aligning with Trump, pointing out his bipartisan contributions.
Renewed Engagement with Big Tech
This marks the first high-profile meeting between tech leaders and the government since the contentious 2020 hearings over Big Tech’s influence. As these companies face ongoing antitrust and regulatory scrutiny, their presence at the inauguration raises speculation about improved relations with Trump’s administration.
Mixed Reactions Within Trump’s Circle
Not everyone welcomed these developments. Steve Bannon, Trump’s former strategist, criticized Musk, calling him “truly evil” and accusing Trump of forcing tech billionaires into submission.
Uncertain Future
While Trump’s interactions with tech leaders may indicate significant shifts, the long-term implications remain unclear. Trump himself appears to enjoy the newfound attention, stating, “Everybody wants to be my friend!!!” Whether this alliance will endure or falter is uncertain, but both sides seem open to exploring the possibilities of collaboration.
