Peter Thiel Hosts Trump Party Featuring Silicon Valley Elite

Silicon Valley’s Power Brokers Gather at Thiel’s Mansion for Trump Inauguration Bash

In a notable convergence of tech moguls and political influencers, Peter Thiel’s grand Beaux-Arts home in Washington, D.C., served as the backdrop for an exclusive inauguration party on Saturday evening, held to celebrate the impending presidency of Donald J. Trump. The evening attracted some of the most significant figures from Silicon Valley and Washington, setting the stage for a new era of political alignment between technology and conservative governance.

Miriam Adelson, a leading casino mogul and one of the wealthiest individuals globally, made an entrance just before the festivities were set to commence at 5 p.m. Not long after, Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Meta, arrived, showcasing the weight of the tech industry’s presence. Clad in his finest black-tie attire and flanked by a small security detail, Zuckerberg navigated the brisk evening air into Thiel’s expansive 10,000-square-foot residence in the upscale Woodley Park neighborhood. Interestingly, he chose to remain relatively quiet during his stay, opting not to respond to the barrage of questions from reporters.

As the soirée progressed, it became evident that the event was a gathering of mutual admiration and shared interests among attendees. Mr. Thiel’s expansive network continued to arrive, with many guests, though not Zuckerberg, undergoing screenings by Secret Service agents, highlighting the stature of those present. The Vice President-elect JD Vance made a stylish arrival in a motorcade around 7:30 p.m. However, his visit was brief as he stayed for less than half an hour. Notably, Vance’s election to the Senate in 2022 was buoyed by a significant $15 million in support from Thiel, illustrating the intertwining of tech investment and political power.

The atmosphere at Thiel’s party was one of palpable excitement, particularly for those in the tech industry. Donald Trump Jr. was among the attendees, appearing with a victorious grin as he exited the event. He expressed his anticipation for the inauguration weekend, saying, “I don’t think anyone has ever been looking forward to a Monday like this," as he prepared to share his sentiments on social media.

As one could imagine, the combined wealth of those gathered at Thiel’s residence was staggering. Many guests were billionaires familiar with Thiel or his co-host, David Sacks, an eminent figure from Silicon Valley and a friend from Thiel’s days at Stanford University. Sacks is also poised to take on a role in the incoming administration, which adds yet another layer of connection amid the assemblage of elite attendees.

In line with Thiel’s reputation for hosting lavish parties, the inauguration event was no exception. Guests were entertained by a unique trivia juggler, who, instead of performing traditional juggling acts, posed intriguing questions about U.S. presidents. Culinary offerings were varied, with snacks and hors d’oeuvres being circulated throughout the evening. Guests could indulge in larger bites served from various food stations, including a thematic Mar-a-Lago section featuring shrimp, steak, and a salad drizzled with Thousand Island dressing. Notably, familiar fast food choices were also present, with a special delivery from McDonald’s. Gift bags filled with small bottles of Moët champagne and branded red MAGA hats served as mementos from the evening.

The guest list read like a who’s who of the tech elite, featuring major industry players such as Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, and the Winklevoss twins, both of whom are notable investors in the cryptocurrency space. Alexandr Wang, the CEO of ScaleAI—one of the most celebrated artificial intelligence firms—successfully navigated security intrigues to gain entry, showcasing the competitive spirit among attendees.

The event also highlighted a broader trend within Silicon Valley: a noticeable rightward shift in political sentiments following Trump’s initial election in 2016. Many significant personalities linked to this political movement were in attendance, including podcast hosts Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, and David Friedberg. Among the political figures mingling with tech talent were Senators Bill Hagerty, Ted Cruz, and Dave McCormick, along with other incoming administration officials, such as Jacob Helberg, Ken Howery, and Sriram Krishnan.

House Speaker Mike Johnson characterized the occasion as “a lot of fun,” emphasizing the value of the connections fostered at the gathering. Senator Cruz, recognizing the event’s significance, remarked that while it was enjoyable, the true highlight awaited them at noon on Monday—the inauguration day itself. As the sun set on Thiel’s lavish celebration, the stage was set not just for a political transition but for a potentially transformative moment in the relationship between Silicon Valley and Washington.