It’s not uncommon to hear America likened to a bad episode of reality tv and that certainly rings true following an inauguration that featured a performance of YMCA and that speech by Elon Musk. As we kick off 2025 ushering in a second term for President Trump as always, spectacle and entertainment prevailed.
Yesterday marked the beginning of a controversial presidency for Donald Trump that has sharply divided public opinion. While the transition of power followed the traditions of democracy, the event itself sparked discussions beyond its ceremonial aspects. The conspicuous presence of Silicon Valley’s elite signalled the president’s alignment of technology and politics in the years to come. Trump’s speech however, laden with conservative rhetoric, also drew criticism for its potential impact on civil rights, particularly for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Transition of Power
Trump took the oath of office in front of Chief Justice John Roberts, solidifying his role as the 45th President of the United States. As tradition dictates, outgoing President Joe Biden participated in the ceremonies, emphasising the peaceful transfer of power despite deep partisan divides.
In his speech, Trump vowed to prioritise American interests above all else, stating, “From this moment on, it’s going to be America First.” This nationalist tone resonated with his supporters but alienated others who view global collaboration as crucial in tackling modern challenges such as climate change and international security.

The Role of Tech Moguls
Among the notable attendees was a roster of tech’s high rollers, seated prominently near the new cabinet members. The positioning of billionaires who need no introduction such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, nod to Trump’s potential reliance on their expertise to shape America’s technological future.
Jeff Bezos’s presence, alongside that of his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, has been at the heart of online discussion and its implications of Trump’s allegiance lying with the oligarchs; the American journalist was one of the few non-governmental partners allowed a seat near the cabinet.

A Reality Show Spectacle
The day proved to be more than a transfer of power—it was a spectacle that echoed Trump’s reality show past. The event mimicked the polished production of “The Apprentice,” where ‘The Donald’ gained his worldwide stage as a property mogul. From the staging to the choice of guest stars, the inauguration had the hallmarks of a carefully orchestrated performance, reinforcing Trump’s penchant for blending entertainment with governance.
The visual message was clear: the new administration intends to place technological innovation at the forefront. The event has raised eyebrows for those of us across the pond as well as home-turf commentators, senator Elizabeth Warren questioned the optics as she noted, “Big Tech billionaires have a front row seat at Trump’s inauguration. They have even better seats than Trump’s own cabinet picks. That says it all.”
Is this America or ‘Dragon’s Den’?
Could Trump’s cabinet picks and the presence of tech moguls at his inauguration be likened to an episode of “Dragon’s Den”? With the president flanked by powerful figures from the tech industry, some interpret this as a scene from the show where decisions will be made on what benefits not only Trump’s agenda but the tech industry’s too.
So should we be terrified? Some see it as Trump recognising the future lies in technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation. By capitalising on these relationships, Trump may be addressing opportunities that the Democrats failed to leverage. The party’s inability to use technology to its advantage in recent elections—whether through outreach, data analytics, or fostering alliances—may have contributed to their loss.
The “TikTok ban” under the previous administration serves as a cautionary tale. Seen as a misguided attempt to counter Chinese influence, the ban was mired in legal challenges and ultimately failed to achieve its intended goals. The misstep highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in navigating this terrain.

Concerns Over Civil Rights
Trump’s inaugural speech painted a picture of a renewed and re-energised America, but its tone and content led commentators to point out his remarks hinting at undoing progressive policies championed by the Democrats. His emphasis on returning to traditional values signals that rights for marginalised groups could be at risk.
It wasn’t long before he declared that the US would only recognise two genders, amongst repealing dozens more executive orders. Kelley Robinson is president of the Human Rights Campaign in the USA, the country’s largest LGBTQ+ rights advocacy group, and said “We are not going anywhere, and we will fight back against these harmful provisions with everything we’ve got.”
While Trump avoided specific policy details, his promise to “restore America’s greatness” left much room for interpretation. For some, this rhetoric feels like a step back in time rather than a step forward.

Early Executive Orders
In his first hours in office, Trump issued a flurry of executive orders that have rippled into headlines across the political landscape. From rolling back environmental regulations to reinstating controversial policies on immigration, these actions are exactly what his voters expected. As regressive as they are for the opposition, they underline Trump’s commitment to fulfilling campaign promises. In this context, it’s difficult to fault his adherence to his agenda, and aligning with the mandate given to him by his supporters.
A Divided Future
The presence of tech moguls at the inauguration reflects Trump’s intent to integrate their influence into his administration, and perhaps lead to development in America in areas like job creation and digital transformation. And yet the divisive rhetoric of his speech suggests that his presidency will be a battleground for contrasting visions of America’s future.
While some see his leadership as an opportunity to break from the status quo and drive economic growth, others fear it will unravel hard-won rights and protections. As the nation adjusts to its new administration, only time will reveal whether Trump’s presidency ushers in an era of progress or polarisation.
We hope this helps breakdown that episode of black mirror, comment your thoughts below.