WASHINGTON − Conservative tech billionaire Elon Musk got a VIP seat inside the U.S. Capitol to witness President Donald Trump’s Monday inauguration, illustrating the executive’s increasing influence on U.S. politics and the new administration’s policy.
Before the ceremony started, Musk joined Meta CEO Marc Zuckerberg and Amazon CEO Jeffrey Bezos in chairs placed in front of the president-elect’s incoming Cabinet, according to media pool reports from the inauguration.
Musk heads Trump’s Department of Governmental Efficiency, an advisory commission chartered to recommend federal spending cuts and regulations for elimination. The body, co-chaired by businessman and likely Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, is expected to face a transparency lawsuit from an advocacy group.
The tech executive, who is the CEO of companies including SpaceX, Tesla, and X, became a familiar sight during the 2024 election cycle. Musk addressed supporters during a Sunday evening inauguration eve rally as the new president’s only guest speaker.
At Trump’s inauguration day rally at the same venue, Musk made an impassioned speech:
“This was no ordinary victory, this was a fork in the road,” he said. “Elections come and go, some are important and some are not but this one really mattered.”
“It is thanks to you that the future of civilization is assured,” Musk continued.
After concluding his remarks, Musk crossed his right arm over his chest before forcefully extending it out in front of his body in an apparent salute.
Why is Elon Musk at President Trump’s inauguration?
Musk has played an increasingly prominent role in Trump’s orbit in recent months, even reportedly staying in a $2,000-a-night cottage at the president-elect’s South Florida club and residence Mar-a-Lago. The billionaire businessman appears to have taken on a role that is part senior advisor, part celebrity fan and part de facto Cabinet member.
At a rally last night at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., Trump did not bring onstage Vice president-elect J.D. Vance, but did feature Musk, who was joined by his son, X.
“We’re looking forward to making a lot of changes,” Musk told the crowd. “What matters going forward is to make significant changes, cement those changes, and set the foundation for America to be strong for centuries – forever.”
Musk, who donated more than a quarter of a billion dollars to help Trump’s reelection effort, is heading up the president’s nascent Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which aims to cut trillions of dollars in waste from federal government spending. Musk has recently downgraded the goal for DOGE, saying in an interview broadcasted on X, formerly Twitter, that the figure of $2 trillion was a “best-case outcome,” and suggesting there is a “good shot” at cutting close to $1 trillion instead.
As the CEO of automotive and clean energy company Tesla, Inc., Musk has built an enormous fortune currently estimated by Forbes at $444 billion, making him the world’s richest man.
But the rise hasn’t been without controversy. In 2022, Musk purchased the social media platform Twitter, which he rebranded as “X.” Under Musk’s leadership, the website has almost completely rolled back moderation policies and has become a hotbed for hate speech and a favored platform for white supremacists and other extremists.
Despite publicly championing a policy of “free speech absolutism,” prominent left-wing voices have been banned from Twitter, as have critics of Musk’s lifestyle. Recently, more than a dozen conservative commentators who clashed with Musk over his immigration policies had their “blue check marks” removed on X without explanation, according to NBC News.
Where is Elon Musk on Inauguration Day?
Musk first appeared Monday morning at historic St. John’s Church where the president-elect, first lady Melania Trump, and other officials attended a special non-partisan church service.
The DOGE head sat next to incoming national security advisor and former GOP Rep. Mike Waltz of Florida, who posted a selfie of them on X. Former Trump homeland security advisor Julia Nesheiwat, Waltz’s spouse, also appeared in the photo.
After the St. John’s service, news cameras captured Musk entering the Capitol building for the indoor ceremony. He and his mother Maye have “some of the best seats in the house,” according to an AP reporter in the room.
During the ceremony, Musk and fellow tech CEOs Mark Zuckerberg of Meta, Sundar Pichai of Google and Jeff Bezos of Amazon sat to the left of the dais in front of Trump’s cabinet nominees, according to a press pool report. They were directly behind Trump family members − Melania and 18-year-old Barron Trump − and those of Vice President JD Vance.
Trump’s inaugural address included several references to America’s renewed space ambitions, including a goal of planting the U.S. flag on Mars.
“We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars, launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars,” Trump said.
Musk, whose SpaceX is developing technology for future space exploration, threw his hands into the air during the ensuing ovation, according to a press pool report.
After the ceremony ended, the tech exec spoke with the president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner before filing out of the rotunda.
This story will be updated throughout the day with details about Musk’s whereabouts and interactions.
Elon Musk Everywhere: The Tech Giant’s Presence at Trump’s Inauguration
From the rally to the Capitol VIP section, Elon Musk’s presence was felt throughout Donald Trump’s inauguration. The tech mogul and CEO of Tesla and SpaceX was spotted mingling with political figures and industry leaders, showcasing his influence and impact on both the tech and political worlds.
At the rally leading up to the inauguration, Musk was seen chatting with supporters and sharing his vision for the future of technology and innovation. His presence drew attention and excitement, with many eager to hear his thoughts on the new administration and its potential impact on the tech industry.
In the Capitol VIP section, Musk was seen rubbing shoulders with high-profile figures, including members of Congress and other industry leaders. His involvement in the event highlighted the growing intersection between technology, business, and politics, as Musk continues to play a key role in shaping the future of innovation.
With his innovative companies and bold vision for the future, Elon Musk’s presence at Trump’s inauguration was a clear reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of technology and its impact on society. As he continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, Musk’s influence is sure to be felt for years to come.
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