Under the marble dome of the Capitol Rotundathe global power took its seat on Monday morning. There was no room for chance: every occupied chair, every face present, spoke of sealed alliances and battles to come. There, surrounded by the echoes of a national history that glorifies democratic continuity, donald trump assumed his second term as president of the USA.
However, what defined the ceremony was not the words of the oath, but the composition of the unusual scene within modern political history. The freezing temperature outside, which froze the exterior stairs, forced the number of event participants in the main hall to be reduced to a minimum, which became a showcase of the alliances, commitments and tensions that will define the coming years.
From technology billionaires until foreign leaderspassing through the heavyweights of conservative capital and the omnipresent presidential familyeach presence in the Capitol Rotunda narrated a chapter of this story in progress.
In the front row, the trump family It was presented en bloc. The imposing figure of Melania Trumpwrapped in an impeccable white coat, seemed a perfect contrast to the youthful air of Barron Trumpthe president’s youngest son, who at 18 years old begins to shape his own role in the family legacy. “Barron was my connection to the digital world”had declared trump days ago, praising his son for introducing him to influential social media personalities who impacted the campaign. Not far from him, Kai Trumpthe president’s granddaughter and a rising social media star, radiated confidence, a reflection of her recent prominence in the Republican National Convention.
Donald Trump Jr.the president’s eldest son, remained nearby, a constant presence in his father’s political machine. Members of the family of now Vice President JD Vance joined this group.
Behind the presidential family, Elon Musk He dominated the field of technological titans with his characteristic mix of charisma and mystery. Musk, who has cemented his place as the world’s richest man, has not only gotten closer to trump in recent months, but now holds an official position: he will head a department aimed at reforming the government bureaucracy. The faces of the new government and those close to the president were also seen at the scene.
Mark Zuckerbergless animated than Musk, observed the ceremony with the look of someone who has learned to play a delicate game of political survival. Since Goal relaxed restrictions on its platforms under pressure from Republican sectors, Zuckerberg has been the subject of criticism, but has also avoided direct clashes with the administration of trumpwho in the past openly threatened to imprison him. Next to him, Priscilla Chanhis wife, kept a low profile, distant from the spotlight.
In an opposite corner, Jeff Bezos He seemed like an isolated figure. The decision of your Washington Post not supporting any candidate in the November elections left a bitter taste among progressive circles, but was interpreted as a shrewd move to avoid antagonizing the re-elected president. At your side, Lauren SanchezBezos’ fiancee, remained smiling, although distant from the cameras that obsessively followed Musk.
Completing the trio of tech giants was Sundar PichaiCEO of Google. His assistance did not go unnoticed, especially after Alphabet and other large companies will donate one million dollars each to the inaugural fund of trump.
In the front rows, Miriam AdelsonRepublican megadonor and widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelsonoccupied a strategic place, flanked by other giants of capital. It was Adelson who led the super PAC Preserve Americaessential to finance the most critical moments of the campaign trump. His role is not only that of a behind-the-scenes figure, but also an influential voice in the direction of the Republican Party. Close to her, John Paulsonan investor whose fortune built in Wall Street positions him among the largest Republican donors.
The scene of the powerful It was completed by judges of the Supreme Court, including Samuel Alito Jr.; Amy Coney Barrett; Neil M. Gorsuch and Sonia Sotomayor, Along with members of Congress Mike Johnson, Deb Fischer, Charles Schumer, Johm Thune and Steve Scalise.
trumptrue to its style of breaking molds, invited international figures who embody its vision of the world: Javier Mileithe libertarian president of Argentinaand Giorgia Melonithe prime minister of Italyshared a privileged place on the stage. Both leaders, open admirers of Trump’s populist and nationalist approach, symbolized a transatlantic political axis that seeks to consolidate itself against traditional global institutions. At his side, the presence of the Chinese vice president, Han Zhengwas a reminder of the complex negotiations behind the scenes.
The assistance of Shou Zi ChewCEO of TikTokalong with the nominee for director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbardadded an extra layer of tension, given the platform’s controversies in the country.
Not all the guests took their seats. The absence of Michelle Obamawho had announced that he would not attend, stood out as a symbolic act that underscored the political and personal divisions that define this era. Meanwhile, the other former presidents—Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Joe Biden—and their respective wives, except Michelle, maintained a solemn posture during the event.
