Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has extended invitations to a mix of global leaders and top tech executives for his inauguration ceremony, scheduled for January 20. The event is expected to draw significant attention, reflecting Trump’s influence across political and corporate circles.
Top Global Leaders on the Guest List:
Among the notable global leaders invited are Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele and Argentinian President Javier Milei. Representing India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will be attending the ceremony.
Interestingly, Chinese President Xi Jinping has also received an invitation but is unlikely to attend in person. Instead, a senior envoy, possibly Vice President Han Zheng or Foreign Minister Wang Yi, is expected to represent China. Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and far-right French politician Eric Zemmour have also secured spots on the guest list, further showcasing the diverse range of political ideologies invited to the event.
Tech Giants and Financial Contributions
The tech industry is playing a pivotal role in supporting Trump’s inauguration financially. Tech leaders such as Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, and Dara Khosrowshahi of Uber, are among the high-profile attendees. Each of these companies has contributed $1 million to the inauguration fund.
The organizing committee, led by the Trump-Vance team, has already raised more than $170 million, with the final tally expected to surpass $200 million. This robust financial backing highlights the tech sector's involvement in shaping the event.
In addition to their attendance, companies like Uber, Elon Musk’s X, and The Free Press are organizing inauguration parties in Washington to mark the occasion.
VIP Pass Demand Creates Challenges
The overwhelming interest in Trump’s inauguration has led to a shortage of VIP passes, even for major donors. Initially, high-tier donors contributing $1 million or more were promised six premium tickets to the event. However, due to limited seating, some invitations have been deactivated, causing frustration among contributors.
To accommodate the demand, those without VIP access are being directed to secure general admission tickets through congressional offices. This high level of interest underscores the significance of Trump’s inauguration and its appeal across political and corporate spectrums.
Major Companies Donate Generously for Trump's Swearing-In Ceremony
Notably, donations have been flowing in to support the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump. Here’s a look at the prominent companies backing the inauguration:
Meta
Meta, the tech giant led by Mark Zuckerberg, has contributed USD 1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund. This aligns with recent policy shifts within the company, including replacing traditional fact-checking measures with “community notes,” similar to the system used on Elon Musk’s X. Meta has also rolled back some diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and implemented other controversial internal changes. Observers believe these actions signal a broader alignment with the incoming administration’s political climate.
Boeing
U.S. Aviation leader Boeing has pledged USD 1 million for the inauguration, maintaining its tradition of supporting presidential swearing-in ceremonies, including Trump’s first term in 2017. Boeing joins a roster of corporate donors, including General Motors, Microsoft, and Meta. The company’s contributions are seen as a reflection of its commitment to fostering strong ties with the federal government. Separately, American Airlines confirmed its donation to the event but has not disclosed the amount.
Google, under the leadership of Sundar Pichai, has also contributed USD 1 million to the inaugural fund. This comes at a time when the company is navigating antitrust litigation in the United States. The donation reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to maintain its role as a key player in shaping technology policy during the new administration.
Microsoft
Microsoft has donated USD1 million to Trump’s inauguration, continuing its tradition of bipartisan support for presidential transitions. The company previously donated USD500,000 to both Trump’s 2017 inauguration and Joe Biden’s 2021 ceremony. A spokesperson confirmed the donation, emphasizing Microsoft’s commitment to supporting democratic traditions.
Apple
Apple CEO Tim Cook has also pledged USD 1 million to the inauguration fund. Cook, known for his collaborative approach with political leaders, shared that this donation symbolizes the importance of unity and respect for American traditions. His ongoing relationship with Trump during the latter’s first term underscores the spirit behind this contribution.
Amazon
Amazon, the e-commerce giant founded by Jeff Bezos, has joined other major corporations with a USD 1 million donation to Trump’s inaugural committee. In addition, Amazon’s Prime Video service plans to live stream the swearing-in ceremony, showcasing the company’s support for this historic event.
