Tech Industry Cheers Trump and Its Own Success

Tech Titans Take Center Stage at Trump’s Inaugural Festivities

As President-elect Donald J. Trump prepares for his second inauguration, an intriguing coalition of tech moguls and wealthy donors from Silicon Valley are throwing lavish events to celebrate their newfound influence in Washington, D.C. Among the standout gatherings are parties hosted by notable venture capitalist Peter Thiel, exclusive soirées organized by the hosts of the popular tech podcast “All-In,” and high-profile viewing ceremonies facilitated by networks of affluent donors.

These inaugural festivities are expected to be a showcase for Silicon Valley elites who have increasingly allied themselves with Trump over the past year. Such events provide a unique opportunity for corporations and lobbyists to gain access to the incoming administration—access that is often viewed as crucial for advancing their interests. Trump’s inaugural committee has set records in fundraising, attracting substantial contributions from a mix of traditional Republican donors and modern tech investors alike.

Fundraising efforts have been remarkable, with companies and individuals contributing $1 million or more, including major players from various sectors. Renowned firms like Ford and General Motors alongside tech giants such as Amazon and Google have stepped up to the plate. Moreover, cryptocurrency companies like Ripple and Robinhood have also emerged on the donors’ list. Traditional Republican megadonors, such as coal billionaires Joseph W. Craft III and Kelly Knight Craft, have added their support as well, securing access to exclusive events, including intimate dinners with Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, as well as V.I.P. entry to the swearing-in ceremony.

While official events promise to be opulent, much of the action will unfold in the informal gatherings surrounding the inauguration. Across the city, high-stakes events are planned at exclusive hotels, restaurants, and even private yachts—all designed to cater to corporate clients and high-powered executives eager to leverage their influence in the new administration. Notably, lobbying firms with affiliations to Trump are also hosting private gatherings at local hotspots in downtown Washington and Georgetown.

Prominent lobbying firms like Chartwell Strategy Group and Ballard Partners are stepping up their game for this inaugural weekend. Having raised millions for Trump’s inauguration, they are representing clients keen on securing favorable outcomes in the policy arena. The American Action Network, a major force behind House Republicans, is also throwing its own exclusive event at the Library of Congress, while the American Opportunity Alliance—a network of prominent Republican billionaires—plans several events for its members, reinforcing longstanding donor traditions.

Amid these gatherings, innovative events from Silicon Valley are generating significant buzz. One of the highlights is the much-anticipated Crypto Ball, a sold-out affair that affirms the cryptocurrency industry’s growing prominence in American politics. Scheduled for Friday night, the event is set to feature a performance by Snoop Dogg and will honor David Sacks, a venture capitalist named by Trump to oversee artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency policy.

The evening will also host a V.I.P. reception organized by MAGA Inc., a pro-Trump super PAC, with an eye-popping entry fee of $100,000 per person. Tech and cryptocurrency executives are expected to attend, including notable figures such as the Winklevoss twins, who have made headlines in the cryptocurrency arena.

Thiel, even with limited participation in Trump’s latest campaign beyond a donation to a pro-Trump legal group, is holding a black-tie party at his Washington mansion, co-hosted with Sacks. This gathering underscores the mixing of traditional Republican influence with that of Silicon Valley’s new power brokers.

In the spirit of continued celebration, Sacks is also coordinating a private event with his “All-In” podcast co-hosts, tailored to engage Silicon Valley’s politically ambitious executives. This gathering at Ned’s Club, a newly opened social venue, will take place during Trump’s second Inaugural Address and subsequent parade, where attendees will have the chance to watch the proceedings from the comfort of a lively indoor viewing party.

Other tech companies are also joining the revelry, with Spotify hosting a brunch featuring right-leaning personalities, including Joe Rogan, Megyn Kelly, and Ben Shapiro. Meanwhile, Uber and X, led by staunch Trump supporter Elon Musk, are expected to have a strong presence throughout the celebrations, along with other Silicon Valley heavyweights like Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

In the lead-up to the main events, there have already been notable gatherings. A recent party hosted by conservative media firm Salem Media attracted Trump insiders, aiming to honor staff who supported the former administration. The gathering was illustrative of the networking opportunities such events provide, especially for lobbyists looking to establish connections with key personnel in the new White House.

As Washington readies for a string of glitzy celebrations, the fusion of tech power and political influence promises to set the stage for a memorable inauguration weekend, reflecting the changing dynamics between Silicon Valley and traditional political power structures.