A large crowd attended President Trump’s inauguration, filling the Capitol Rotunda for the ceremony featuring political and business dignitaries. Trump, joined by First Lady Melania and their children, took the oath of office with tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk nearby. The event included notable figures such as former presidents, media personalities like Tucker Carlson, and members of Congress, including Sen. Bernie Sanders and Mitch McConnell. Trump also invited foreign leaders, creating a diverse gathering of influential figures. Various connections and family ties were highlighted, reflecting the interconnectedness of politics and business.
A surprising number of people showed up at President Trump’s inauguration and managed to make it to the Capitol Rotunda and secure a coveted seat for the ceremony.
The star-studded event was attended by some of the biggest names in Washington, D.C., as well as tech giants, media moguls, and dignitaries.
Trump took to the stage to take the oath of office with his wife, Melania Trump, and their children, flanked by campaign donors and executives from major technology companies.
Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk were all in close proximity as he took the oath of office.
Family members and other familiar faces of President Trump were scattered throughout.
Most of the lawmakers sat in front of President Trump and watched the new president take the oath of office.
Also nearby were podcaster Joe Rogan and his close friend, billionaire Phil Ruffin, 89.
Ruffin attended the ceremony with his partner Oleksandra Nikolaenko, 43, and the couple sat near all the former presidents.
The star-studded event was attended by not only Washington heavyweights, but also technology titans, media moguls, and senior officials.
Trump, who took to the stage to take the oath of office with his wife Melania and their children, was flanked by campaign donors and executives from major technology companies.
George W. Bush was joined by his wife Laura, as well as Hillary and Bill Clinton. President Barack Obama entered the chamber alone after his wife, Michelle, ignored the ceremony.
President Biden was accompanied by First Lady Jill, and Kamala Harris’ partner Doug Emhoff stood behind him.
Dior CEO Delfina Arnault rubbed shoulders with Nikolaenko, who was seated next to her brother Alexandre and father Bernard Arnault.
Arnault is chairman and CEO of LVMH, the conglomerate that owns brands such as Louis Vuitton and is worth more than $180 billion.
Trump also made sure to invite his children’s in-laws, including Ivanka’s husband Jared’s parents, Charles and Ceryl Kushner.
Charles Kushner has already been nominated by President Trump to be the U.S. ambassador to France for his second term.
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson was among those invited to the special event.
American businessman Phil Ruffin and his wife Oleksandra Nikolaenko were also selected for major spots.
Trump’s former lawyer Rudy Giuliani pulled out his cell phone to take photos of the event.
Donald Trump Jr.’s new girlfriend Bettina Anderson kept taking pictures with her cell phone
Donald Trump Jr.’s ex-fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle also attended the event.
Massad Boulos, a Lebanese-American businessman appointed as President Trump’s Middle East adviser, was also in the audience. He became Tiffany Trump’s father-in-law in 2022 when she married her husband Michael.
The couple is planning to give birth to their first child in 2025.
Miriam Adelson, an Israeli-American doctor who was nearby, could clearly see what was happening.
Mr. Adelson’s family was Mr. Trump’s largest donor throughout his final term as president and currently owns the Dallas Mavericks.
According to Forbes magazine, the businessman is worth a staggering $34.4 billion, making him the third richest owner in American sports.
Those standing nearby included UFC president Dana White and his wife Ann. Mr. White has recently been a vocal supporter of Mr. Trump.
On the rotunda floor, Sen. Bernie Sanders (R-Vermont) sat next to Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
Senate President pro tempore Charles Grassley also appeared next to the three senators.
Kimberly Guilfoyle, Don Jr.’s former partner who seemed banished to the other side of the Rotunda, appeared despite rumors of her elimination.
(LR) Priscilla Chan, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration
He was seated on the rotunda floor next to Sens. Bernie Sanders (Vt.), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
Sitting near Guilfoyle was Charlie Kirk, a Trump ally and co-founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk cheered when President Trump raised his fist during the ceremony.
Congresswoman Alma Adams wore her signature zebra-striped hat as she sat near the back of the room near Ohio Sen. Bernie Moreno inside the Rotunda.
Further down was Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, smiling broadly alongside Mitch McConnell.
Rudy Giuliani was a few rows behind them. Just last week, Mr. Giuliani reached a settlement with two campaign officials he had repeatedly defamed.
Across the aisle, President Trump’s chosen envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, watched the proceedings.
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance takes the oath of office during the 60th Presidential Inauguration Ceremony in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
Also on the rotunda floor were media personality Tucker Carlson and Fox host Laura Ingraham.
In an unprecedented move, President Trump also invited foreign leaders to his inauguration, giving them coveted seats at the ceremony.
Argentina’s President Javier Millei sat next to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and next to Chinese Vice President Han Zheng.
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng was also near the group of foreign leaders.