Washington:
Two technology billionaires had an unexpected meeting on Monday during the inauguration of newly elected President Donald Trump in Washington DC. Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla CEO Elon Musk were briefly spotted in the Capitol Rotunda ahead of Trump's inauguration.
Elon Musk and Google CEO Sundar Pichai talk casually. pic.twitter.com/SB80eycAWv
— Sanguinius the Eternal (@SanguiniusOnX) January 20, 2025
The swearing-in ceremony in Washington, which has been moved indoors due to frigid temperatures, will be attended by former presidents, foreign dignitaries, technology and business executives, and a host of artists and celebrities.
Several Big Tech leaders are on hand to cheer him on in the stands. Even those who used to be his critic.
Tech leaders are making amends and even donating to his inaugural fund. This shift in dynamics is largely driven by the tech industry's desire to influence policy decisions and avoid regulatory responses.
Tech CEOs are flocking to support Trump over the looming prospect of Congress discussing rules on social media safeguards for children and artificial intelligence. In addition, major technology companies such as Meta, Apple, Amazon and Alphabet are facing antitrust lawsuits, accused of monopolistic practices. This shift in loyalty is likely a strategic move to influence policy decisions and prevent further regulatory responses.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has admitted that Trump can make a difference in the AI scene. “I think there are real areas that I think he's thinking about and committed to making a difference,” he said at the New York Times DealBook Summit.
Donald Trump, who will be the oldest person ever inaugurated as president, has promised to issue a series of executive orders that will undo the legacy of outgoing President Joe Biden and launch immediate deportations of undocumented migrants.