Donald Trump has invited a number of tech titans to attend the inauguration, joining more traditional guests such as his cabinet nominees. Billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg will be present as will Shou Chew, the boss of the Chinese social media giant TikTok, according to American media.
Trump has sought closer ties with tech moguls, and his campaign has benefited from misinformation spread on social media platforms such as TikTok, Musk’s X and Zuckerberg’s Facebook and Instagram.
Outgoing President Joe Biden will attend the ceremony – despite Trump refusing to appear during Biden’s swearing-in when he defeated Trump in 2020. All living former presidents – Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama – will also be present, as well as their wives, with the exception of Michelle Obama.
Heads of state are not traditionally invited, but Trump has sent invitations to a handful of foreign leaders, including some who share his right-wing policies. Far-right Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will attend, her office confirmed on Saturday.
Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Argentina’s President Javier Milei and China’s Xi Jinping have also been invited, but not all will attend. Xi sent Vice President Han Zheng in his place, who met with JD Vance on Sunday, the transition office said.
