Mon Jan 20 16:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Tech Titans Celebrate Trump’s Return to Power Amidst Controversy

**Washington D.C.** – A surprising display of unity marked President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, as a phalanx of tech CEOs, previously vocal critics, attended a church service and inauguration events alongside the president. Jeff Bezos (Amazon), Mark Zuckerberg (Meta), Tim Cook (Apple), and Sundar Pichai (Google) were among those present at St. John’s Church, alongside media mogul Rupert Murdoch, FIFA president Gianni Infantino, and former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

This show of support is striking given many of these executives’ past criticisms of Trump’s policies on issues like climate change and immigration. The attendance also includes Elon Musk (SpaceX, Tesla), a significant financial supporter of the President’s campaign, and Shou Zi Chew (TikTok), whose company faces ongoing US regulatory challenges. Sam Altman (OpenAI) and Dara Khosrowshahi (Uber) were also expected to attend.

The gathering prompted immediate criticism. Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Michael Bennett sent a letter to the executives, accusing them of attempting to curry favor with the administration to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Sam Altman responded on social media, questioning the lack of similar letters to those who supported Democratic candidates.

The optics are significant. The last time so many tech leaders congregated was during a 2020 congressional hearing investigating their companies. Many of these firms still face anti-monopoly lawsuits, investigations, and regulatory battles. While Trump’s apparent reconciliation with Silicon Valley is undeniable, its longevity and the implications for pending legal matters remain uncertain.

Former Trump strategist Steve Bannon expressed strong disapproval, calling Musk “truly evil” and vowing to remove him from the President’s inner circle. Bannon contrasted this with his view that Trump had “broken the oligarchs,” forcing their submission.

President Trump, who previously left office with strained relationships in the business world, has publicly embraced this newfound camaraderie, expressing delight at his newfound friendships. His administration is expected to begin with a flurry of executive orders, potentially reshaping the relationship between the government and the technology sector.

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