Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson were among the celebrities who attended Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, DC.
The three were sitting in the same row at St. John’s Church as the president attended church services before being sworn in.
Other celebrities who had special seats at this momentous moment included Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who briefly appeared transfixed to the Capitol ceiling.
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Elon Musk seemed to be checking out the ornate ceiling. Photo: Reuters
The ceremony took place in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Photo: Reuters
The Tesla boss was perhaps Trump’s most famous supporter during the campaign and will help lead the new government’s “efficiency” arm.
Just before the swearing-in ceremony, Musk chatted with Google President Sundar Pichai, while Amazon President Jeff Bezos and his partner Lauren Sanchez were on the other side.
Musk spoke after the inauguration.
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“I’m taking the Governor to Mars.”
In an energetic speech, he said he would plant an American flag on Mars, saying, “Can you imagine how amazing it would be to plant an American flag on another planet for the first time?”
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg was a short distance away with his wife Priscilla Chan, while the tech giants awaited Trump’s arrival.
Metaboss Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan (left) and Lauren Sanchez. Photo: Reuters
Google CEO Sundar Pichai (center), Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos (left). Photo: Reuters
Apple CEO Tim Cook was among the tech billionaires in attendance. Photo: Reuters
Billionaires will hope that the new president’s policies will strengthen, or at least leave unhindered, their vast money-making mechanisms.
Apple CEO Tim Cook also attended the swearing-in ceremony, and TikTok boss Zhang Yiming was also scheduled to be in Washington DC.
Trump on Sunday promised a reprieve from the ban that temporarily made the app “dark” in the United States.
Argentina’s far-right President Javier Millei was one of the few world leaders in attendance.
Argentina’s President Javier Millei and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Photo: Reuters
Millais, with a “rock’n’roll” haircut and sideburns, was photographed smiling arm in arm with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
President Trump’s press secretary, Caroline Leavitt, said Chinese President Xi Jinping was also invited, but appears to have declined.
Foreign leaders are usually not invited to presidential inaugurations, but Trump broke with tradition.
UFC boss Dana White is a longtime Trump supporter. Photo: Reuters
Influencer brothers Jake Paul and Logan Paul. Photo: Reuters
FIFA coach Gianni Infantino was spotted in the background
UFC boss Dana White was also seen standing next to Barack Obama in attire appropriate for the swearing-in ceremony.
The mixed martial arts promoter frequently emcees Trump’s events and is credited with helping boost his appeal among young people.
Influencers and fight stars Jake and Logan Paul were also in the building, watching from a nearby area called Liberation Hall.
Controversial FIFA boss Gianni Infantino (circled above) and media mogul and Fox News owner Rupert Murdoch were also there.
As is customary, other living former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush also attended.
Rupert Murdoch and Elena Zhukova. Photo: Reuters
Former President and Secretary of State Clinton were also in attendance. Photo: Associated Press
former President George W. Bush and former President Barack Obama. Photo: Associated Press
Of course, Trump’s entire family was in attendance, with his wife Melania wearing a wide-brimmed hat along with their son Barron.
However, there was an awkward moment when Donald Trump tried to kiss her, but it didn’t go well as he appeared to be thwarted by her choice of hat.
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First Lady Melania’s hat prevents Trump from kissing her
Barron Trump is waiting for his father’s moment in the spotlight. Photo: Reuters
Outgoing President Joe Biden appeared relaxed as his final hours as commander in chief were ticking down.
The Democrat received a standing ovation as he entered the Capitol Rotunda with First Lady Jill Biden.
Defeated candidate Kamala Harris also watched, sometimes with a deadpan expression, as Trump said he would declare a state of emergency on the southern border to stop immigration, and the transfer of power and “drill, drill” for oil.
The outgoing president and vice president appeared unimpressed by Trump’s speech. Photo: Reuters
“Drill baby, drill,” Trump promised. Photo: Reuters
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Nigel Farage, leader of Britain’s Reform Party and a longtime Trump supporter, is believed to be in Washington, but like Boris Johnson, he did not appear at the inauguration itself.
Mr Farage posted a photo from the Trump victory rally over the weekend and said: “We are truly back.”
Images of X include party treasurer Nick Candy, British property developer and billionaire Nick Candy, and ex-SAS Who Dares Win star Ant, who is now aiming to enter politics.・A photo of him and Mr. Middleton is also posted.
