Trump inauguration: Bernie Sanders says billionaires now controlling US government

Trump's return to power, with tech billionaires' prominent roles, reignites debates on power dynamics and calls for stricter measures to limit wealth’s influence on governance

As Donald Trump returned to the U.S. presidency in a historic inauguration, an image from the event sparked a fresh wave of political debate. Senior Democratic leader Bernie Sanders took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight what he sees as a troubling consolidation of power, sharing a photo of billionaires Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos seated prominently behind Trump during the ceremony.

“When I started talking about oligarchy, many didn’t understand. Now, it’s clear: the three wealthiest men in America sit behind Trump, signaling that the billionaire class now controls our government. We must fight back,” Sanders wrote, igniting widespread discussion.

Trump's Alliance with Tech Giants

Trump’s inauguration marked a striking shift in alliances, with tech moguls taking centre stage. Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been appointed head of the newly-established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a move that has drawn significant attention to Trump’s administration. This appointment underscores Musk’s growing influence and raises questions about how tech billionaires might shape future government policies.

Meanwhile, Trump appears to have reconciled with Mark Zuckerberg, with whom he previously had a public feud. The Meta CEO was recently spotted at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, fuelling speculation about their renewed camaraderie. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ presence at the inauguration further highlighted the alignment between Trump and the tech elite.

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Sanders’ concerns come amid growing public unease about the influence of billionaires on democratic institutions. Critics argue that the tech moguls’ close ties to the administration could exacerbate wealth inequality and diminish public trust in governance.

The inauguration, attended by former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, also marked a historic milestone. Trump is now only the second president in U.S. history, after Grover Cleveland, to serve non-consecutive terms.

Trump's return to the presidency marks a significant shift in American politics, but the prominent involvement of tech billionaires in his administration has sparked renewed debates over power dynamics and the urgent need for stricter measures to curb the influence of wealth on governance.