As the country braces for President-elect Donald J. Trump’s second inauguration on 20 January, the guest list for the event has stirred up considerable attention. A mix of billionaires, world leaders, business magnates, celebrities, and former US presidents will be in attendance, although some key figures are notably absent from the proceedings. The inauguration has been moved indoors due to forecasts of extreme cold, and with only limited seating in the Capitol Rotunda – a venue that seats approximately 600 – the list of attendees is both exclusive and intriguing. In this article, we explore the high-profile figures set to attend, as well as those who are choosing to skip the event.

The billionaires and business tycoons

Among the most prominent figures attending the inauguration are some of the richest men in the world. Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos – three tech moguls who have redefined industries in the 21st century – are expected to sit in honor on the dais. The inclusion of these business giants highlights Trump’s long-standing ties to Silicon Valley and the business community at large. Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a frequent Trump ally, while Zuckerberg, the Facebook founder, and Bezos, the Amazon magnate, have more complicated relationships with the president, particularly in light of past clashes over issues like tech regulation and the broader role of big business in politics.

Additionally, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, and Shou Chew, the CEO of the embattled social media app TikTok, were also invited to sit on the dais. The appearance of these tech and business leaders underscores the close connections between Silicon Valley’s elite and Trump’s political base, who are expected to play a significant role in the administration’s economic agenda during the second term.

For these billionaires, the inauguration is not just a ceremonial occasion, but also a high-profile networking opportunity. Many of them, especially the ones invited to sit near the president-elect, have previously contributed large sums to Trump’s inaugural committee or various political action committees. Reports indicate that some businesspeople had already made contributions as high as $1 million for the........

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