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The Real Reason Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg Attended Trump's Inauguration

Published 20/01/2025 às 17:43
Updated 22/01/2025 às 11:55

Tech giants were present at Trump's inauguration, but the reasons behind their appearance go beyond what you might think. Find out what went on behind the scenes of this decision

Na Trump's inauguration In Washington, DC, one detail caught everyone's attention: the presence of some of the most powerful names in technology worldwide. Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg were among the prominent guests, accompanied by Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, and Tim Cook, CEO of Apple.

All seated in privileged locations, next to members of the Cabinet and other influential figures.

Reasons for attending the historic event

Musk's presence wasn't exactly a surprise. He has long been a vocal supporter of Trump and, according to analysts, has considerable influence in the administration.

However, Bezos and Zuckerberg have caused some surprise, as they have had troubled relations with Trump in the past. Bezos, for example, had several clashes with Trump during his first term.

In recent months, however, the tycoons' stance has changed. Bezos recently shelled out $40 million to acquire the rights to a documentary about Melania Trump on his Amazon Prime Video platform.

Additionally, Amazon contributed $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, demonstrating a clear attempt at rapprochement. Bezos himself made a point of publicly congratulating Trump after his 2024 election victory, calling him “a leader who can unite America.”

Zuckerberg also got in on the act. He co-hosted an inaugural ball for Trump, which was attended by major Republican donors. Among those in attendance were Miriam Adelson, Todd Ricketts and Tilman Fertitta, all known for their generosity to the Republican campaign.

Political observers point out that this move by Zuckerberg reflects a desire to make room for his company, Meta, in the new administration.

Tesla CEO, on the other hand, has made no secret of his enthusiasm. Not only has Musk donated a quarter of a billion dollars to Trump’s campaign, he is also helping to lead a new department focused on government efficiency. He has become a fixture at Trump’s side since his election victory.

Trump's inauguration

Experts believe that the motivation behind these approaches is directly linked to the new government's business policies. Trump has a history of favoring companies that align with his agenda, and big techs are looking to secure space and influence over the next four years.

Adam Kovacevich, a technology policy expert, said that “Trump loves the attention of CEOs of large corporations, and what we are seeing now is a rush to establish a direct connection with him.” Many analysts see this as a strategic attempt to avoid stricter regulations and secure favorable business conditions.

Another important point is that, in addition to politics, the financial factor also weighs heavily. Companies like Amazon, Meta and Tesla depend on healthy relations with the government to maintain contracts and tax incentives. Attending the inauguration is seen as a gesture of goodwill and openness to dialogue.

The public reception, however, was mixed. Many Trump supporters see the rapprochement as proof of his ability to unite sectors previously critical of him. On the other hand, critics point out that the adhesion of big techs could compromise the independence of these companies and raise questions about excessive political influence.

In any case, what is clear is that Trump's inauguration was not just a political event, but also a demonstration of corporate power. Bezos, Musk and Zuckerberg know that being on the president's side can be a valuable strategic move for their interests.

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Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Journalist specializing in a wide range of topics, such as cars, technology, politics, shipbuilding, geopolitics, renewable energy and economics. I have been working since 2015 with prominent publications in major news portals. My degree in Information Technology Management from Faculdade de Petrolina (Facape) adds a unique technical perspective to my analyses and reports. With over 10 thousand articles published in renowned media outlets, I always seek to bring detailed information and relevant insights to the reader. For story suggestions or any questions, please contact me by email at flclucas@hotmail.com.

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