A who’s who of the world’s wealthiest individuals gathered around President Donald Trump during his swearing-in ceremony, boasting a combined net worth of over $1.3 trillion. Attendees included prominent figures such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who were prominently seated behind the Trump family, as reported by India Times and South China Morning Post.

The presence of high-profile billionaires like LVMH's Bernard Arnault and Alphabet's Sergey Brin underscored a renewed wave of support for Trump, particularly from sectors such as Silicon Valley and Wall Street. Their backing seems to stem from an anticipation of favorable business policies under Trump's administration, which promises to ease regulations and bolster investments vital for corporate profitability.

This support from influential business leaders represents a notable shift, especially considering their previous hesitance to engage with Trump after the events of January 6, 2021. Yet, with Trump's recent election unlikely to embrace a conciliatory approach, many in the business community appear willing to overlook past grievances in favor of potential economic gains tied to his administration's policies, which include a proposition to extend tax cuts previously established in 2017.

Elon Musk, in particular, has emerged as one of Trump’s most ardent supporters, reportedly spending over $200 million on Trump’s campaign and taking on an advisorial role focused on government efficiency. His excitement was palpable when Trump announced plans for NASA missions to Mars, a dream Musk has long championed.

Other notable attendees included hedge fund magnate John Paulson and media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, both of whom have previously maintained varying levels of distance from Trump. During the inauguration celebrations, Apple CEO Tim Cook enjoyed a warm exchange with Trump—a relationship bolstered by a previous commitment from Apple for unspecified U.S. investments, which Cook was acknowledged for at a rally the night before.

Billionaires mingled with lawmakers during a celebratory luncheon following the ceremony, making headlines for their interactions—most notably a light-hearted exchange involving Jeff Bezos, who responded to a question about Trump's speech by confessing he was “looking for a restroom.”

As the political landscape continues to shift, Mark Zuckerberg's pivot towards a pro-Trump stance has been evident, illustrated by his alterations to Facebook's policies regarding fact-checking and its commitment to diversity initiatives, reflecting a strategy to align more closely with conservative sentiments. TikTok's CEO, Shou Chew, was also present, amidst speculation surrounding the platform's future under Trump's governance.

This inauguration marked a defining moment not only for Trump but also for the intersection of business and politics, bringing together some of the most influential figures whose fortunes are inextricably linked to the policy decisions of the incoming administration.