Donald Trump’s return to the White House was nothing short of a spectacle, with a guest list that blurred the lines between business, tech, celebrity, and combat sports. While former presidents, government officials, and political allies were in attendance, it was the presence of social media influencers, billionaires, sports icons, and Hollywood actors that truly set this inauguration apart.
The Billionaire Brigade
One of the most anticipated appearances was that of Elon Musk, the outspoken Tesla and SpaceX CEO. Musk has maintained a complicated yet public friendship with Trump, and his front-row presence underscored the relationship. Close by sat Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, whose presence raised eyebrows given his historically strained ties with Trump. Rumours swirled that Bezos, now primarily focused on Blue Origin and philanthropy, was looking to smooth over relations.
Also present was Mark Zuckerberg, who recently announced sweeping policy changes at Meta, including a rollback on fact-checking and censorship. Sitting at a VIP table in Statuary Hall, Zuckerberg was seen engaged in conversation with Bezos’ wife, Lauren Sánchez, adding to the intrigue surrounding tech’s role in the next administration.
Apple CEO Tim Cook made a more discreet appearance, while Google’s Sundar Pichai took a prime spot in the Rotunda, symbolising the uneasy yet unavoidable alliance between Big Tech and the incoming government. Another unexpected tech titan was Shou Zi Chew, CEO of TikTok, whose platform Trump once tried to ban. His presence came amid negotiations to keep the app running in the U.S., following Trump’s last-minute promise to delay any action against it.
Also seated among the tech elite was Alexander Arnault, the executive vice president of Tiffany & Co. and son of LVMH chairman Bernard Arnault. The inclusion of luxury industry players highlighted Trump’s continued influence in high-end business circles.
The Fight Club and Sports Stars
Combat sports were well represented at the inauguration, with former heavyweight champions Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield in attendance. Tyson’s connection with Trump goes back decades, and his presence was hardly a surprise. Holyfield, who once fought Tyson in one of boxing’s most infamous matches, stood beside him, symbolising a strange moment of sports diplomacy.
Conor McGregor, the brash Irish MMA fighter, made a grand entrance, joining YouTube-turned-boxing superstars Jake and Logan Paul. The Paul brothers, never ones to shy away from controversy, documented their experience with behind-the-scenes social media content, including a selfie with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
McGregor was also seen chatting with Nigel Farage at a Trump rally the night before, adding fuel to speculation that his political views lean further right than he lets on. Given his rumoured upcoming exhibition fight with Logan Paul in India, his attendance seemed like both a strategic PR move and a genuine show of support.
Other sports figures in attendance included Brett Favre, the former NFL quarterback known for his vocal political opinions, and Dana White, president of the UFC, who has long been an ally of Trump. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, a steadfast Trump supporter, was also spotted at the event.
Hollywood and Media Presence
Trump’s inauguration wasn’t just a gathering for tech billionaires and athletes—Hollywood had its representation as well. Jon Voight, one of Trump’s most vocal supporters in the entertainment industry, was present, making an appearance alongside other conservative-leaning celebrities.
Actor Stephen Baldwin, who has long championed Trump, was seen mingling with business leaders, while podcaster Joe Rogan, who endorsed Trump after years of maintaining a politically ambiguous stance, was also present. His proximity to Musk and his high-profile conversations with figures across the political spectrum have cemented his place as an influential voice in conservative-leaning circles.
Another media titan in the mix was Rupert Murdoch, the 93-year-old chairman emeritus of News Corp, accompanied by his fifth wife, Elena Zhukova. With Fox News playing a critical role in Trump’s rise, Murdoch’s presence reinforced his continued sway over the political landscape.
Who Was Missing?
While the guest list boasted an eclectic mix of power players, some notable figures were absent. Former First Lady Michelle Obama opted out of attending, marking a stark departure from past tradition. Karen Pence, wife of former Vice President Mike Pence, was also absent, reflecting the fractured relationship between Trump and his former running mate. Meanwhile, key Democratic leaders, including Nancy Pelosi and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, made a point to sit this one out.
