Tech CEOs at Trump's inauguration criticized by Rachel Maddow: 'This is not happening in America'

Several CEOs from major tech companies attended Trump's inauguration.

Tech CEOs at Trump's inauguration criticized by Rachel Maddow: 'This is not happening in America'
Tech CEOs at Trump's inauguration criticized by Rachel Maddow: 'This is not happening in America'

Rachel Maddow was visibly upset at the sight of affluent businessmen occupying prominent positions at President Trump's inauguration, questioning, "How is this possible in the United States?"

The MSNBC host was furious when they saw images of Apple CEO Tim Cook socializing with Trump Homeland Security nominee Kristi Noem at the inauguration, despite the presence of guests from diverse backgrounds such as Argentinean President Javier Milei and musician Carrie Underwood.

Apple CEO Tim Cook is standing next to Kristi Noem, the nominee for homeland security, during a recent event in America. This has sparked controversy and concern among some.

CEO of Meta and Facebook Mark Zuckerberg, Lauren Sanchez, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk attend the inauguration ceremony before Donald Trump is sworn in
CEO of Meta and Facebook Mark Zuckerberg, Lauren Sanchez, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk attend the inauguration ceremony before Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th U.S. president in the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2025.      (Saul Loeb/Pool via REUTERS)

"What is the explanation for the presence of wealthy individuals with family ties among Cabinet nominees?"

Recently, there has been a significant shift in Trump's relationship with Silicon Valley, with tech titans who were previously hostile now competing to win his favor. In January, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who was seated prominently at the inauguration, announced that he would be ending DEI policies on his social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. Additionally, both Meta and Amazon donated over $1 million to Trump's inauguration.

The CEOs of Facebook, Apple, Amazon, Google, and Tesla/SpaceX were given prime real estate at Trump's inauguration, in addition to Zuckerberg and Cook.

Maddow warned that far-right figures have an affection for Tolkien's work
MSNBC's Rachel Maddow slammed the presence of tech CEOs at Trump's inauguration.  (Screenshot/MSNBC)

Alex Wagner of MSNBC cautioned that the large number of businesspeople at the inauguration was intended to convey a "message."

Joy Reid responded, "It's a message, and I believe they're up there for the same reason you probably think they are."

"It is a pivotal moment here," Maddow chimed in.

In his farewell address, former President Biden cautioned against the growing influence of Big Tech in supporting Trump, stating that an "oligarchy" was taking hold in America.

Biden stated that an oligarchy is forming in America, characterized by extreme wealth, power, and influence, which poses a threat to our entire democracy. This includes our fundamental rights, freedoms, and opportunities for everyone to succeed.

by David Spector

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