Notable figures from various industries expressed their support for Trump following his electoral win, reflecting the “tech-industrial complex” cautioned about by President Joe Biden in his farewell speech. Attendees at the inauguration ceremony at St John’s Church included media mogul Rupert Murdoch, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Apple CEO Tim Cook, and TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chou. These tech giants wield significant influence and are among the wealthiest individuals globally, with Musk donating AUD $380 million to a super PAC he founded to bolster Trump’s voter outreach efforts in key states. With a net worth of AUD $639 billion, Musk is currently the world’s richest person, while Meta CEO Zuckerberg, valued at AUD $338 billion, recently announced changes to content moderation that align with conservative interests. The ceremony also featured influencers and athletes like Jake and Logan Paul and MMA fighter Conor McGregor, indicating a broad spectrum of support for Trump. Speculation suggests some changes in tech regulations may stem from Trump’s past ultimatums directed at these corporate leaders. This gathering exemplifies the growing ties between high-profile individuals and political power, signalling a profound shift in the landscape of political campaigning and influence.
26